Humans have been making and wearing jewelry to express themselves, stand out and indulge in their creative side since prehistoric times when fish bones and shell pieces were all the rage. Once precious metals and stones were discovered, the various cultures of the world utilized these materials to create beautiful pieces, many of which have influenced various designers today. VALLEY has found pieces from and inspired by six different cultures so you can expand your horizons while updating your jewelry collection this season.
Kenya
All jewelry from Maa Beadwork is handcrafted by a group of women in Maasai Mara, Kenya. Colorful, affordable and ethical, pieces like their “disc earrings in bronze, gold and white” shown above can make any outfit interesting and beautiful.
India
Bracelets, earrings, and necklaces from Daughters of the Ganges are also made ethically by local artisans. Shown above is their Taarika bracelet in white.
Ireland
Irish jeweler Carol Clarke runs this family business located “just off Dublin’s very famous Grafton Street”. She creates stunning bracelets, pendants, earrings and rings such as the Ladies Claddagh Ring pictured above.
For a less-traditional option, browse through Annie O’Rourke’s Dublin-based Etsy shop, Think Threads. She creates handmade and sustainable accessories like these unique hand-embroidered Eye Earrings.
Thailand
Online marketplace NOVICA has jewelry from eight different regions of the world, but we especially love their jewelry made by Thai artists. This 24-karat gold-plated waterfall necklace is designed and made by Somsiri Juntamin in Thailand.
Greece
This gorgeous Oval Mykonos Charm is handmade by Giorgo Damaskos, a Greek jeweler and master goldsmith.
LydiaMadeinGreece, an Etsy shop owned by Aggeliki Katsarea, offers affordable and simple evil eye bracelets, a longstanding Greek tradition worn to ward off evil spirits.
Native America
Pueblo Direct is an online marketplace for Native American jewelers from many different tribes. You can purchase authentic jewelry such as this Kingman Turquoise Cluster ring, and help support Native Americans directly.
Like the evil eye bracelet so much!