Magdalena Faceted Tagua Necklace
Magdalena Faceted Tagua Necklace
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SKU: SKU: SK-80604
Natural tagua nuts are the hidden jewels of the Colombian rainforest. They fall from the palm trees that line the mighty Magdalena River, the largest river in Colombia. Our Magdalena necklace is highlighted by skillfully carved faceted tagua pieces hung on brass ball chain and thin leather cord.
Colombia ranks low in income equality, and also possesses one of the highest number of internally displaced persons of any country in the world. Since 2000 Sapia has been working with low-income women artisans using recycled and natural materials to develop beautiful products that have made dramatic changes in the artisans' livelihoods.
- Leather & tagua nut
- Adjusts from 5" to 8" diameter (12.7 - 20.3 cm)
- Handmade in & fairly traded from Colombia
Artisan Information
Artisan Information
Turning orange peels into whimsical ornaments and tagua nuts from the rainforest into a cruelty-free, carved ivory-like necklace — it sounds like magic, but it's all in a day's work for free trade artisans at Sapia in Bogota, Colombia.
Launched in 1995 by Ana Maria Piedrahita, a medical doctor who set out to help disadvantaged women in her hometown become skilled handicrafts workers, Sapia now provides a livelihood to almost 40 artisans, and works with close to 50 independent suppliers. Colombia has one of the greatest wealth gaps in the world, with many displaced people uprooted by civil unrest. Sapia works with these at-risks families to provide stable income and an outlook for a steadier future.
Sapia prides itself on using natural, recycled, sustainable materials, including reclaimed leather, chirilla seeds and tagua nuts, from a tree like a palm. Tagua nuts are called 'vegetable ivory' because of their similar smooth white interior. They can also be dyed in bright colors and sliced, carved, or etched for eye-popping fashion appeal. Collecting the nuts after they ripen and fall to the ground does not destroy the tree and allows Sapia to fulfill one of its fair trade missions, to sustain the environment.
Another mandate is to create sustainable employment, and Ana Maria emphasizes she wants customers to appreciate that they are not providing charity: ""They are supporting the lives of people who want to work. Without fair trade we would not be where we are now.""
She points to Denise, who started as the cleaning lady and is now in charge of the warehouse, with double her income only five years later. Rosa, another longtime Sapia employee, says the work there is about more than just a paycheck. ""I enjoy the relationships with the people I work with — they are like my second family.""
Supplier Information
Supplier Information
By shopping the Global Girlfriend collection, you are making a difference in women’s lives across the globe. Global Girlfriend is focused on striving for gender equality and empowerment, and the importance of women providing for themselves and their families. By supporting jobs that guarantee fair wages by fair trade, women are able to proudly contribute to their families, encouraging their communities to flourish.
Shipping
Shipping
This product is only available to ship within the United States. Expedited shipping options are available.
Returns
Returns
All sales of this product are final -- we do not accept returns or issue replacements unless there is a defect with the product. Please review our Returns & Exchanges policy.
