Greece
Fashion At Work

You don't actually wear them. You "work" them. And although you can't really call them jewelry, worry beads are found entwined around the fingers of every Greek man.
On the Greek islands, men constantly "work" these beaded strings, whether walking down the street or sitting at their local kafeneions (cafes). "Komboloi," from the word "kombos" for knot, are better known as worry beads. Men always carry them around. It's an old custom that hangs on.
The origin of worry beads is questionable, but their history comes from prayer beads. In Greece, there's no religious significance with the kolomboi. Worry beads are a pastime. Often, while we relaxed at island cafes, we could hear the soft clicking sound of worry beads in the background. Men masterfully manipulate their beads through their fingers. If you watched, you'd know there's an art to it.
So what's to worry about? And why the name? Supposedly using them relieves stress or helps concentration. They get one's mind off a bad habit, like smoking. Some think they are subconsciously spiritual. Advertising hype even claims worry beads to be some sort of new age cure for all that ails you!
On a fashion note, worry beads have also become a style & status statement. One very dapper gentleman, who disembarked a ferry with us, was smartly dressed in a suit & tie. Worry beads were discretely wound around the fingers of one hand, while the other held a briefcase. His beads looked like silver & ebony to us. Or a least some other sophisticated & costly materials. An old man, playing backgammon at a café, had a komboloi that appeared to be strung with nuts, made into his crude beads. Probably an heirloom, as dear to him as his family. Even younger males, teenagers especially, now have worry beads to match their particular style.
Unfortunately, some of their original dignity has been lost to commerce, as worry beads have become the perfect souvenir. Sold everywhere on the islands, they're often made into keychains... more utilitarian than therapeutic. You'll find worry beads made from many materials, such as: coral, amber, bone, ivory, gold and of course, acrylic. Old kolomboi can be very costly, but these have been lovingly worn to just the right patina.
The Komboloi Museum (on the mainland of Greece) has a wealth of information & exhibits. A visit to the website is the next best way to learn more about this custom (except how to really "work" them). And you can purchase worry beads there, too.
And how do women factor into the komboloi tradition? Today, there are a small number of young women who carry worry beads. When we asked a few island men about this, every one waved his hand to dismiss the notion. Greek society is still very male-oriented!
But women are involved to a degree. They make them or at least sell the finished komboloi to tourists. A less cultural aspect (and not as relaxing), but nonetheless important to the household income.