jewelry with purpose

On a mission to end poverty in her lakeside village and create opportunities for local women, Guatemalan artisan Mirian Zet dedicates her time to creating beaded jewelry with the purpose of expressing herself and generating employment for others around her. Mirian took inspiration from the wildlife and forest that blankets the Guatemalan highlands, growing up on the shores of breathtaking Lake Atitlan. Turning her love of nature into art, Mirian crafts these extravagant waterfall earrings, stringing orange glass beads that gracefully fall from sterling silver hooks, inspired by the striking macaws that soar over her home.

Let your harmonious spirit captivate the night with this wristband bracelet, made by the Artisans of Panabaj. A Guatemalan team crafts the accessory, forming a modern glass-beaded pattern of purple, orange, and iridescent colors. Allowing a fitted look, a crystal crowns the bracelet's button closure.

Sukanya Thongperm creates the glistening design of this statement necklace in lilac, red and verdant hues. She crafts the necklace by hand with oval purple quartz surrounded by fiery orange-red carnelians and leafy green quartz beads. The necklace fastens with a silver clasp.

This floral medallion with multi colored petals is designed to energize the chakras. From Alok Jain, the sterling silver necklace is studded with amethyst, quartz, iolite, citrine, peridot, garnet and carnelian. The gems total 1.3 carats and their colors relate to a specific chakra: clear and light purple stones are associated with the 7th chakra (awareness and wisdom); the purple, violet and indigo gems with 6th chakra (insight and perception), and the blue or light blue with the 5th, that of communication and truth. Green and pink stones are for love and compassion, linked to the heart, on the 4th chakra. For inner power and will, the 3rd chakra is associated with yellow gems, whereas emotion and sexuality are linked to red and orange gems for the 2nd chakra. Black gems are used to stimulate the 1st chakra, that of stability and security.

In Sanskrit, chakra refers to an energy vortex through which vital universal forces are channeled, and there are believed to be seven in the human body. When all seven are aligned the person feels a healthy sense of well-being.

.925 Sterling silver.

Glistening gemstones align with chakra energies on the basis of their color, inspiring these pinwheel earrings from Alok Jain. In Sanskrit, chakra refers to an energy vortex through which vital universal forces are channeled, and there are believed to be seven in the human body. When all seven are aligned the person feels a healthy sense of well being. This pair of sterling silver earrings includes amethyst, iolite, citrine, peridot, garnet, clear quartz , and carnelian. The clear and light purple stones are associated with the 7th chakra (awareness and wisdom); the purple, violet and indigo gems with 6th chakra (insight and perception), and the blue or light blue with the 5th, that of communication and truth. Green and pink stones for love and compassion, linked to the heart, on the 4th chakra. For inner power and will, the 3rd chakra is associated with yellow gems whereas emotion and sexuality are linked to red and orange gems for the 2nd chakra. Black gems are used to stimulate the 1st chakra, that of stability and security.

.925 Sterling silver.

Thai artisan Tiraphan Hasub sets off a chain reaction with this original necklace design. Links crafted from crocheted brown cords and gemstone nuggets assemble to form a brief chain as a pendant. The artisan chooses complementary amethyst and carnelian for her design. The necklace can be secured at one of two lengths with a gemstone cluster that serves as a button.

Using round and rectangular gemstones, artisan Babun Dey of India creates this striking pair of dangle earrings. They feature the glow of alluring carnelian set in a sterling silver bezel.

Enigmatic colors capture the beauty of the spiritual world through shiny beads, the same that compose Tina Quaye's newest design. The Ghanaian artisan sends an environmental message with this sublime piece, made from recycled glass and crystal beads in purple and orange hues, symbols of spiritual harmony.

Designed by Raquel and Gregor of Peru, this baby alpaca and pima cotton blend hand woven shawl is both lightweight and cozy warm. The shawl features a strong color palette of fuchsia, gold-orange, and purple in three bold color-blocked stripes with a subtle arrow pattern. Fringe finishes both ends of the shawl. Baby alpaca refers to the fine fleece from the season's first shearing.

Unleash your unique style with this lively duo of wrap bracelets boasting an energizing color palette dominated by orange, purple, brown and yellow hues. Shimmering crystal and glass beads, meticulously interwoven by Guatemala's Domingo Reanda using a specialized bead loom, make these vibrant designs come to life. Gleaming Tibetan-style pewter buttons add a fashionable final touch.

Artisan Domingo explains, "In the creation of these bracelets, my inspiration was drawn from two distinct color palettes. For the first bracelet, I combined earthy tones with metallic hues, symbolizing the grounding essence of the present moment and the promise of abundance. I wholeheartedly believe that focusing on positive thoughts and nurturing an attitude of gratitude is a powerful way to beckon more abundance into our lives, whether in the realm of emotional well-being or in material aspects such as wealth and possessions. This bracelet serves as an open invitation to embrace a positive and appreciative mindset, a companion you can carry with you at all times.

In crafting the second bracelet, I carefully selected vibrant tones interwoven with metallic hues, signifying the radiant energy of the present moment and the protective shield against negative influences and physical harm. It is my sincere hope that this bracelet will stand as a perpetual reminder to maintain a positive perspective and to live fearlessly."

This pair of vibrant wrap bracelets features a lively color palette where orange and purple reign supreme. They dazzle with the exquisite union of sparkling crystal and glass beads meticulously woven with artisanal expertise by Guatemala's Domingo Reanda on a special bead loom. Enhancing their allure, polished Tibetan-style pewter buttons bestow a dash of refinement and grace.

Artisan Domingo explains, "I carefully selected vibrant tones interwoven with metallic hues for the first bracelet, signifying the radiant energy of the present moment and the protective shield against negative influences and physical harm. It is my sincere hope that this bracelet will stand as a perpetual reminder to maintain a positive perspective and to live fearlessly.

I've crafted the second bracelet in vibrant, rainbow-inspired tones to represent joy. I hope it serves as a reminder to live life, to live it happily, and to accept and love yourself just as you are. Remember that you are unique and special, deserving of all the love and good things the universe has to offer."