Our Summer 2010 Collection is here! Please be patient while we redesign our website and get our new styles uploaded to the website.
Need a piece right away? Give us a call (586) 350-0311
Eco Jewelry Artisans
Although the majority of our jewelry is handmade by designer Katherine DalPra in our Michigan studio, many of the components and materials used to make the designs are sourced through talented artisans across the world, under Fair Trade terms. So what does that mean?
An apprentice in northern Thailand sets up the soldering table to make silver leaves
Well, for one, we pay twice the going rate or more for their handiwork because we believe that their skills are deserving of fair payment. Our artisans either set their own rates based on what they need to make a fair living wage or they are paid under a certified Fair Trade Federation organization that undergoes rigorous evaluation and receives one-on-one counsel for how to work with local indigenous artisans in a way that is beneficial for all involved...and not just for the company marketing the materials.
An artisan sands down a silver seashell. This family also owns a small village grocery store.
One of the primary issues in the jewelry industry is that the majority of materials are sourced in ways that undercut the artisans, farmers and miners themselves so that the jewelry company can enjoy greater profits. Unfortunately, this is neither sustainable nor ethical. We'd rather pay well and reduce our profits, then participate in cut-throat business that keeps others from putting food on the table.
This is a typical Thai home which serves the dual purpose of silversmith workshop. This way of working allows remote tribes to make a living from home while still balancing a fairly indigenous lifestyle. The city is 8 hours south, so creative ways of earning an income are necessary in these parts. We are thrilled to be able to support them! Prior to having access to international markets in the 70s, these very same tribes were coerced into drug farming and sending their children to work in the city where they engaged in child prostitution, unknowingly to the families that sent them. Today, being able to share their talents and access buyers in other countries is essential to a safer, more reliable career.
Silver is melted, drilled and filed to create unique handmade beads.
Nija is an expert at artistic silver pendants.
Noi-tu loves to imitate peacock feathers in his beadwork.
Our Fair Trade partner workshop in Bali.
We LOVE the brass and silver chain we source from this artisan group out of Bali, Indonesia. We are currently working with their coordinator to encourage a transition to 100% recycled metals. We'll keep you posted on our progress! It's a wonderful feeling when you can help others become more eco-conscious ;)
Just a few of the dozens of refugee camp women in Uganda that create our recycled paper beads by hand.
Yes, by hand! It's amazing what these talented African women can do. We are so honored to help them achieve financial stability so that they do not need to be without food, medicine or education for their children. Don't you just love making a difference in another woman's life?
Cutting Tagua Nut in Ecuador Slicing Tagua Nut
Etching designs in Tagua Nut Drilling Tagua Nut finished beads
Take a look at the images above. These photos represent just part of the process required to take a simple nut to a gorgeous piece of jewelry. Is it any wonder that we want to pay these individuals fair wages??? Look at how much effort and skill goes into glamifying these beads!!! It's an amazing process to behold and this, is essentially, the inspiration behind why we choose to pay more for our supplies than other jewelers under Fair Trade terms. These individuals invest a lot of time and ability to make our jewelry a reality. Is it right that they should be undercut by those who have the upper hand (international buyers)? No thanks! We'd rather do the right thing than compromise our values just to save a buck.
