love beads

noun

, (used with a plural verb)

1. a necklace of small, often handmade beads, worn as a symbol of peace and goodwill, especially in the 1960s.

Word History and Origins

Origin of love beads¹

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70

Example Sentences

She held public office continuously since she was first elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1969, the days of bell-bottoms and love beads.

From Washington Times

"Loop on your love beads, and we'll pass on a few hints from the grooviest cookbook ever. First, pick around in the shelves there until you find something with a picture on it."

From Salon

Go-go boots and love beads would not do; they needed more practical clothes that fit their new lifestyles.

From New York Times

He was known to be interview-shy, burned by the snide reactions of critics during the 1970s, when he sported a ponytail and stringy goatee; often performed wearing Nehru shirts and love beads; and disdained the touring virtuoso circuit, which he compared to a “monkey doing his trained act with the same pieces over and over.”

From New York Times

A discount store later to be called Pier 1 opened in San Mateo, California, in 1962, and went on to sell love beads, incense and imported bowl-shaped rattan papasan chairs.

From Seattle Times