We love the exclusive bracelet our friends at Raven + Lily made for us. We love the story behind the bracelet even more.
Raven + Lily , a socially-conscious fashion brand, made this bracelet 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.
Photo credit: Raven + Lily
In addition to creating important opportunities for these hard-working and skilled women, the bracelet 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 blue color we chose- artisans have also used it to craft scarves!
