In today's culture, the pineapple carries two very different and widely recognized meanings depending on how it is displayed: Hospitality versus Swinger/ Hookup Culture.
1. Traditional Symbol: Hospitality, Warmth, and Welcome
The History: Dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe and Colonial America, Pineapples were extreme luxury status symbols. Because they were difficult and expensive to import from the Caribbean, hosts would display them as centerpieces at grand banquets to show off their wealth and honor their guests.
Today: Right-side-up pineapples in home decor—such as door knockers, welcome mats, wallpaper, and architectural gateposts—still represent hospitality, friendship, and good cheer.
2. Modern Subculture: Swingers and Hookup Culture
The Upside-Down Pineapple: In contrast to traditional decor, an upside-down pineapple is a discreet signal used within the Swinger Community to indicate that a couple is non-exclusive and open to swinging or partner-swapping.
This symbol is frequently spotted on Cruise Ship doors, resort luggage tags, shopping carts (as viral trends on platforms like TikTok have popularized), or through specific emoji usage on dating and social apps.
Pickup available at 16 East 17th Street
Usually ready in 24 hours
Pickup available, Usually ready in 24 hours
16 East 17th Street
Ground Floor
New York NY 10003
United States
We truly love that you're making things, but unfortunately we do not buy things consignment or purchase outside work.
We have a reliable network of suppliers and are not currently in the position to purchase your collections. But we're thrilled that you thought of us.
Unfortunately no, we cannot create custom designs or sizes for our customers. However, you may be able to shorten them / decrease the width of the designs we offer slightly by manipulating the wires that connect the beads together.
A: It depends on a variety of factors. Get in touch with us to let us know what you're interested in learning, and we'll let you know if it's a possibility.
A: We do indeed sell at wholesale prices to those who meet our requirements. We have a general policy and a Wholesale Plus+ program for larger companies than would truly like to purchase in bulk. To learn about our wholesale policies, please see here.
A: Beads of Paradise does not, at anytime, give loans (pulls), secured or unsecured. We do however do rentals for stylists. Please see here for more info.
A: We love working with you when possible. Please send us a picture and or a description of what you're interested in and we'll be in touch.
It is our policy that NO Labor is done “on the spot”/”while you wait”. Any exceptions to this are at the discretion of the management and only at the discretion of the management. All items at Beads of Paradise are sold “As Is” with no warranty implied or expressed. If you have a problem with one of your purchases, please ask to see a manager. Thank you for your understanding.
For most pieces of jewelry on our site, we should be able to accommodate a request such as this, with some exceptions. You can purchase and leave a note when you purchase, or get in touch with us to inquire (please include a link to the product in question).
Beads Of Paradise began in the late 1980’s as a small store in the East Village. We originally specialized in African antiquities, textiles, beads and jewelry – but as interest in world art and beads grew throughout the 1990s, we underwent a major expansion and moved to our current location in the historic Flatiron district of New York City. Read More; A Visual History
