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Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Handmade, Helping Accessories - Andean Collection

Andean Collection jewelry is all handcrafted by artisans in Ecuador using seeds found or harvested in South America. They've got everything from super hip pieces to more motherly finds to bead bracelets teens will love, and below are a few of my faves:




Tassel Necklace, $52


Piedra Bracelet, $24


Toro Ring, $26


Infinity scarf, $58

Says Andean Collection of its jewelry: "Some materials are gathered from the rainforest floor while others require a skilled farmer to climb high into the tropical canopy to harvest ripe pods. In both cases, trees are not harmed and the commercialization of these seeds helps to ensure the survival of the world’s rainforests by providing an alternative income for its inhabitants in place of logging or selling their land to destructive industries.

"Through a manual, low energy process, seeds are transformed into beads, which have sculptural natural irregularities, both in color and form. Each piece is truly one of a kind."

The Andean Collection was founded to create sustainable change, and they have a nonprofit arm "to ensure that this change is productive and healthy and to address other poverty related social issues, all funded through our sales and private donations."

I know, I know, I let the Andean Collection do most of the talking. But hey, they said it well!

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