Blue Skies Jewelry makes a conscientious effort to use natural and Fair Trade beads and components in all designs. When I select the beads and findings used to create a one-of-a-kind Blue Skies piece, I consider how those beads and findings were created and brought to market. I am very careful to purchase only from reputable suppliers.
My suppliers of natural gemstone beads are those who know how their cutters work or who cut themselves. My suppliers of sterling silver are committed to paying a living wage. My suppliers of natural brass use a process that is environmentally friendly. My suppliers of Kazuri ceramic beads help feed extended families of 20 or more. My suppliers of ceramic and natural pendants create their artwork in their studios throughout the United States.
While my suppliers must be ethical, they must also be reputable and accessible. They, too, must be aware of how their products are brought to market. They must be Fair. Fair, to me, includes safe working conditions and a fair wage earned in the making of the piece from the mine to the manufacturing.
Fair also means pricing my pieces so that I can return some of the funds generated by Blue Skies Jewelry back to those who depend upon small scale mining and bead making to live. When you purchase a unique, never-to-be-repeated-again piece from Blue Skies Jewelry, you too are giving back to those who created those components. Your purchase ensures I will return again to my suppliers, who ensure the workers have a market for their efforts, and are continued to be treated fairly.
Thank you for being a part of making a difference.
If you are interested in learning more, visit www.fairtradegems.com.
