alternative jewelry

Inspired by Mother Nature, Lorena Cofino designs and crafts the bracelet, hand-stringing it with natural beads of earthen jasper alongside black and white jade, alternating with petite coconut shell beads. Combining brown shades of the earth, this innovative bracelet makes a wondrous accessory.

This pretty beaded bracelet is the creation of Sang Ayu Sardiwati of Bhakti Senang Hati, a foundation in Bali that assists the physically disabled to attain physical and economic independence and build self-esteem. "Although we live in very limited conditions, my childhood was very happy", says artisan Sang Ayu. "I used to work carrying stones for a dam construction when I was in Junior High School so I can pay the school fee myself. Unfortunately the dam suddenly collapse and huge stones broke my leg. Now I have to use a prosthesis everywhere. I was so depressed, very not confident after the accident, I usually hide and shy whenever people visiting our home. But finally my spirit is back after I saw my parents were crying because my depressed condition. After pray to God, I feel more patient and strong. I even graduated from a university, and I start making handicrafts. After I joined the Foundation, I met my husband and now we have 3 boys." The stretch bracelet is crafted from blue ceramic beads alternating with albesia wood and coconut shell beads.

Alternating with petite beads of sese wood, handcrafted coconut shell half-moons encircle the wrist in this stretch bracelet from Ghana. Ali Mohammed designs this beautiful accessory.

Two rows of brown sese wood beads and discs of coconut shell are strung on brown nylon cord to make this eye-catching beaded bracelet designed by Rita Addo Zakour of Ghana. The artisan alternates round beads with angled discs for a look with flair.