These fabulously funky earrings are made from the humble gourd .
They are lightweight and eco-friendly. This truly is a product from the earth.
The gourds (also known as calabash) are cut and carved by hand to create these unique pieces.
Gourds make an ideal material for jewellery being lightweight but highly strong and durable.
Gourds have been used for centuries in many parts of Africa for storing and serving food, an ideal organic plant based material. It's popularity declined with the introduction of ceramics but has more recently increased due its organic nature.
Made in Kenya by Zuri Designs a fair trade organisation who work directly with small producer groups and workshops in Kenya and Uganda to break the cycle of poverty. Providing employment for Kenyan artisans.
Specifications
Approximate size: Drop 7cm Width 4cm
Story
Shared Earth's mission is to improve the livelihoods of disadvantaged people in developing countries, benefiting local community projects and keeping alive traditional skills that would otherwise be lost.
Shared Earth aims:
To pay fair prices for products
To always offer 50% payment upfront to overseas producers
To ensure working conditions are acceptable
To provide advice on design and product development
To support suppliers and their local communities
To avoid child labour
To commit to long term relationships with suppliers
