KAZURI and Moonglow Beaded Necklace

Description

Soft teal moonglow beads and faceted Czech beads are the backdrop for these handcrafted ceramic Kazuri* beads from Africa. I framed the pretty 22x24mm lentil shaped Kazuri focal bead with special handcrafted silver bead caps made by talented silver artist Holly Gage. The design of her collection uses impressions from actual nature. They are classy and extremely well made.

Flanking the lentil are 2 12mm Kazuri round beads. The primary colors are a lovely light and dark teal. The necklace length is 17 inches including the sterling silver toggle clasp. I used 49 strand jeweler's quality wire in the construction of this necklace. Earrings are included.

*Kazuri beads are crafted in a Fair Trade women's workshop nearby what was once a part of Karen von Blixen's coffee plantation (Out Of Africa). Clay is brought down from the Kenyan mountains, then the beads are carefully hand shaped, polished, fired, painted, and fired again. The result is the beautiful ceramic beads offered here today...KAZURI, the Swahili word for small and beautiful.

FYI, Kazuri employs women who would otherwise not have jobs with which they could support their families. As word of the beauty of these beads increase and sales increase, more women will be employed. Enjoy your Kazuri beads and know that you have contributed to making a profound difference for other women in the world.

Added on Dec 18, 2009