Where to find jewelry from third world artisans/microbusinesses?

[OKCyndi]

My daughter has been given an opportunity to have a small space for her own business at a local store, and she was interested in jewelry from the third world. I've found retailers of such things, but I'd like to find a resource for the actual artisans in order to buy at a wholesale price. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[*********]

Oh, man, I wish I could remember the name...

 

I was at the local homeschool used book sale a few weeks ago, and there were some teenage girls that were selling the most beautiful neckalces. The girls told me they were made by some ladies in another country (can't remember which one). Each necklace had a picture of a lady with it. I assumed the pictures were of the actual woman who made it. The girls also told me they bought the neckalces up front from some organization, and were then selling them; I don't think the girls were attempting to make a profit, just being the 'middle man', so to speak.

 

I wish I could remember more details. I do remember being very impressed with the grace, poise, intelligence, and beauty of those three homeschooled teenage girls. :001_smile:

[elw_miller]

Here are several places to buy jewelry made by Maasai women. Some of the reasons the jewelry is for sale (aside from supporting women-run small businesses): education for children and to prevent the continued practice of FGM.

 

http://www.myempoweredflower.com/index.html

 

http://www.firemountaingems.com/aboutus/community_article.asp?docid=652V

 

http://www.lightofmaasai.com/help.htm#womensgroups

 

http://www.serianuk.org.uk/Eluai%20Womens%20Group.htm

[Denise in Florida]

There is an organization called 10,000 Villages that helps third world craftsmen sell items for a living wage (very little middle man cost). They probably operate year round, but the shops I have seen are usually open for a month or so around Christmas. Churches donate the space and the sales staff are volunteers so the artists get most of the profit.

 

You can probably google them.

[LadyR]

Check out http://www.tenthousandvillages.com/home.php

 

I just purchased a beautiful necklace from one of their stores. They have some of the most beautiful handmade jewelry (and home decor) I've ever seen. Below I've posted part of their missions statement found on their website:

 

"Ten Thousand Villages provides vital, fair income to Third World people by marketing their handicrafts and telling their stories in North America. Ten Thousand Villages works with artisans who would otherwise be unemployed or underemployed. This income helps pay for food, education, health care and housing."