The making of glass bead jewellery is popular among the women of Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh. They string together tiny, colourful beads in unique patterns to create beautiful pieces of jewellery. Besides being a source of regular income, Neemuch women are taught to use this as a form of therapeutic self-expression.

Usually, undrilled beads of a particular colour are strung together using a thread of the same colour. The necklaces are categorised on the basis of the number of threads used in them, which can range up to 12 threads. Certain traditional nature-inspired designs include toteni (parrot), pati (leaf), and phulki (floral). Apart from that, each colour has a specific significance. White glass neckpieces are used for weddings, while green is worn during engagement ceremonies. The artisans' designs and patterns are not sketched out, but are borne out of the memories or interpretations. This traditional wisdom is passed on from generation to generation among the women of the family.

In India, bead work is believed to have evolved as a craft after embroidery, approximately 5000 years ago. They were valuable possessions and were often used as currency by local people to purchase different goods. Because they held such high value, the tribal community would string them together and wear it around their neck to ensure its safety.

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