Handwoven earrings, made with coiling technique, using art beads, cotton and gold thread. The hook is gold plated to protect against potential allergies. Length: approximately 10cm. Weight: 29g.
These earrings are made by artisans from marginalised communities and refugee camps at Karachi’s Al-Asif Square empowered by Craft Stories. Under the collaborative venture between Huma Adnan and United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), a group of about 25 female artisans were mentored, helped to hone their craft, taught new techniques, introduced to designs for urban population, provided with all the required raw material and then tasked to create jewellery under the mentorship of Adnan herself.
What stands out about this pair of earrings is the impeccable craftsmanship and its contemporary design. The artisan who has made these pieces brings with them their traditional handicrafts, like Afghan hand techniques, passed on from generation to generation; the melange of traditional techniques, modern designs and ‘meaningful fashion’ makes every piece by Craft Stories a collector’s item.
In a way, Craft Stories is also part of sustainable fashion as it creates jobs and allows the artisans to become self sufficient. The jewellery-making skill that the female refugees acquire is “a passport to come out of the vicious circle of poverty”.
Please note that this statement jewellery is handcrafted by the refugee artisans in Pakistan. Subtle variations in design are only natural and add to the uniqueness and beauty of the product; they should not be regarded as defects.