earthy bracelets

"I chose to make this bracelet with two glass bead ties that symbolize union. The small beads of different colors, sizes and textures represent the community — all different but sharing the dream of having a better future," artisan Cristobal Ramirez says. |He combines seed beads in brown, green and blue, all beautiful earth colors in his original unity bracelet.

Three coca leaves come together in a bouquet known as a kintu. In Andean thought, it is a symbol of the union of the three worlds — the worlds of the living, of the dead and of the gods. It is also a favorite offering to Pachamama, the Mother Earth. Centering a red cord unity bracelet by Jorge Perez, the pendant is crafted of sterling silver.

Blue topaz centers a chakra motif in sterling silver. This beautiful unity bracelet from Alok Jain celebrates our sameness in diversity. "The Ashok chakra, or 'wheel of duty' has 24 spokes that represent the 24 religious paths of humanity, and all lead a nation on a path of progress," he explains. Six sprigs of rice flank the wheel. "Rice is part of India's a cultural identity and also symbolizes global unity, as almost half of the population on this earth eats rice."

Blue topaz centers a chakra motif in sterling silver, bathed in 22k gold. This beautiful unity bracelet from Alok Jain celebrates our sameness in diversity. "The Ashok chakra, or 'wheel of duty' has 24 spokes that represent the 24 religious paths of humanity, and all lead a nation on a path of progress," he explains. Six sprigs of rice flank the wheel. "Rice is part of India's a cultural identity and also symbolizes global unity, as almost half of the population on this earth eats rice."

"Onyx represents the strength with which we face any situation, and the malachite represents the planet earth. That is why I chose that stone to represent unity," Lesbia Back says of this design. "Its color also symbolizes hope, which is a feeling of faith in God. A hope that all that happens in our lives has a purpose that will bring us good in the future. At the same time, hope motivates us to move forward and commit ourselves to helping others, uniting ourselves to get ahead together." This elegant unity bracelet is crafted by hand.