may jewelry

"Enjoy this beautiful necklace and may your good deeds be more in number than the beads strung on this necklace," encourages Ila Suleyman. He calls his design Maneray, the Mossi term for good deeds. The Mossi are predominantly millet and cattle farmers who use cow hide and other natural materials to create various items including jewelry and accessories. Suleyman crafts the necklace by hand in a palette of warm earth hues featuring glistening agates, terracotta and sese wood beads. A bone pendant painted with batik techniques centers the necklace featuring recycled plastic beads at both sides. Closes with a brass clasp.

Working with recycled palo blanco and trumpet tree wood, Guatemalan artisan Julio Molina creates a pair of dangle earrings that make an ecological statement. Two red squares are crafted from the wood, featuring the cutout image of a Mayan warrior. These earrings swing from hooks of sterling silver. Says the artisan, "I being able to create these earrings. They are totally unique. I believe that with these pieces we can be conscious of the great cutting of trees that is affecting our ecosystem."

Silver satin hosts red agate, the May birthstone, in a design named Kusa, or "magnificent" in Quechua. Crafted by hand, these contemporary earrings are designed by Leslie Granthon.

.925 Sterling silver

Priyo Salim depicts a diminutive elephant in shining silver. The pachyderm rides atop a turtle who stands on a glowing carnelian. Hanging beneath, pyrite's fascinating colors complete this novel pendant. It centers a silver choker or may be worn alone as a brooch.

.925 Sterling silver

Robert Aidoo-Taylor weaves threads of red, black and yellow in a crosshatch pattern for the design of this bracelet for men. "I took my time to conceptualize this design in the way a spider intricately weaves its web," confides Robert Aidoo-Taylor. The Ghanaian artisan takes his inspiration from Kweku Ananse, the Ashanti lord of all knowledge of stories and fables. He generally assumes the form of a spider though sometimes he may appear as a man. Ananse (also Anansi) is one of the most important characters in West Africa, and his tales have spread across the ocean. In the southern United States he evolved into Aunty Nancy.

Guatemala's tradition and culture are often present in its ancient textiles, testimonies of its historical richness. Inspired by these stunning creations once crafted by his ancestors, Álvaro Ratzan creates this glass beaded bracelet featuring a palette of red and black hues, full of geometric figures that evoke the majesty of the Maya. Furthermore, the accessory comes with a leather-accented structure for a comfortable fit.