artisan goods

An ancient Maya legend tells how the gods gave a specific mission to each being they created. But they realized none had been chosen to carry thoughts and desires from one place to another," says Rosa Padillas of Rosa Roja. "So they carved a small piece of jade into a a slender arrowhead, and it became a beautiful hummingbird with iridescent feathers — the x ts'unu'um. Its mission was to carry good thoughts to all human beings, even those who had died.

"Today, if a hummingbird appears in front of you, it is delivering a message of love from someone who is thinking of you. And if we wear the image of a hummingbird, we carry good thoughts and desires to others.

"The hummingbird legend says that we can fly to the six cardinal points of the universe, therefore the hummingbird is the ideal link to transmit thoughts of love, of respect, tolerance and peace to all creatures on the planet."

The talented Mexican artisan reinterprets the legend as a necklace of dramatic beauty. She creates a hummingbird pendant in the pre-Hispanic style, and adds an agate geode representing the hummingbird's nest. It poses on a strand of gray cultured pearls.

Artisan Nyoman Rena of Bali handcrafts a sterling silver charm bracelet inspired by love, peace, and finding your bliss. The bracelet comes with five charms: a butterfly; a dragonfly; a circle stamped with the word "bliss" and two hearts; and two heart-shaped charms, one stamped with scrolls and the other with openwork made as a peace sign.

Bringing a peaceful vibe wherever they go, this pair of ear cuffs is crafted of sterling silver, featuring a design by Thai artisan Lalana. Learning her skills from Karen hill tribe silversmiths, she crafts these ear cuffs in the shape of the iconic peace sign, shining with a high-polish finish.

The universally recognized symbol of peace becomes a pendant necklace in the hands of Thai artisan Narinee. The pendant is crafted by hand of sterling silver and studded with sparkling marcasite. An equally ornate bale suspends the pendant on a classic sterling silver ball chain.

.925 Sterling silver