After the success of our exclusive bracelet last year, we teamed up with Raven + Lily again to bring you more unique jewelry. Take a peak at how these bracelets and necklaces are made below—the story behind them is just as beautiful as the jewelry itself!
Raven + Lily, a socially-conscious fashion brand, made this jewelry with their partner workshop in northern Ethiopia. The workshop employs at-risk, HIV-positive female artisans, and provides them with access to HIV care and educational opportunities for their families. In total, Raven + Lily helps employ over 1,500 marginalized women in 9 countries with fair trade wages.
Photo Credit: Raven + Lily
In addition to creating important opportunities for these hard-working and skilled women, this jewelry itself stands as an important symbol for peace and hope: Its metal beads were melted down from the bullet casings of former war conflicts.
Raven + Lily shared with us some stunning photos that show how this beautiful bracelet got made. Check out a few of our favorites!
Photo Credit: Raven + Lily
In the mountains of Northern Ethiopia, farmers supply bead makers with artillery shells from former war conflicts that are found on their lands.
Photo Credit: Raven + Lily
Through traditional techniques passed down for generations, artisans melt these shells down to produce handmade, delicate beads.
Photo Credit: Raven + Lily
The beads go through several stages to achieve the final polished look.
Photo Credit: Raven + Lily
The string for the bracelets is sourced from America and sent to the Ethiopian artisans.
Photo Credit: Raven + Lily
Artisans, such as this woman who works with another Raven + Lily partner in Ethiopia, skilfully handle the string to make jewelry, scarves and other products.
Photo Credit: Raven + Lily
The string is hand-braided before artisans add the recycled beads. We love the bright, fun colors that they use to craft jewelry and scarves!
Raven + Lily’s core values are beauty, creativity, empowerment, relationships and sustainability. Why do you think these values are important in the fight against extreme poverty? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
