NOVICA is associated with National Geographic and for ten years, they have helped artisans from all over the world get exposure. The asked if I would be interested in reviewing some of their products. What impressed me the most was their new microfinance program. These small loans help promote entrepreneurship among poverty-stricken people who have the skills to create beautiful things but little collateral to get their business up and running. They can also help people take their business to the next level, being able to purchase supplies in bulk. A few US dollars go a long way in these regions.
Lately, small zero-interest loans have been getting more press. In fact, 2005 was declared it the International Year of Microcredit by the UN.
A press release from the UN states:
A small loan, a savings account, an affordable way to send a pay cheque home can make all the difference to a poor or low-income family. With access to microfinance, they can earn more, build up assets, and better protect themselves against unexpected setbacks and losses. They can move beyond day-to-day survival towards planning for the future. They can invest in better nutrition, housing, health, and education for their children. In short, they can break the vicious circle of poverty.
So, back to products NOVICA offers… they have clothing, home decor items, paintings, fun gifts… but I was asked to check out their handmade jewelry. There are thousands of things for both women and men. My mom and I sat for an hour perusing and didn’t even see half of it. It’s all neatly organized and the site is easy to maneuver. Rather than clicking on all the sub-categories though, I would’ve liked a “view all” feature to see all of the rings, or all of the bracelets, etc. There are also many different price points. The regional focus was bit narrow but each country had many different artists with various tribal and cultural techniques represented. You can pick from rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings…
Most of the items are sterling silver with a few gold vermeil pieces. There are also plenty of beaded items and some leather, wood, bone, horn, shell and ceramic. There are tons of gemstones and intricately carved pieces, both casual and formal. Each item has the artist’s profile where you can learn more about their story, their passion, and the meaning behind their pieces. You also get a card with the artist’s story along with each piece. This definitely gives a more personal touch to each item, something I really like.
I was allowed to pick out a few pieces. I wish I could have grabbed up each one of these:
Citrine Cocktail Ring – $42.49 – Bali
Amazonian palm bracelet – $32.95 – Brasil
Sterling cuff bracelet – $77.99 – Thailand
Bull horn long necklace – $84.95 – Peru
Sterling silver drop earrings – $28.99 – Thailand
Sterling silver and enhanced obsidian ring – $99.95 – Indonesia (also in green)
Carved gourd earrings – $29.99 – Peru
Sterling ring – $57.95 – Peru
Turquoise and peridot necklace – $124.95 – Thailand
Sterling cuff links (a great wedding or groomsman gift!) – $49.99 – Mexico
Pair of mango wood cuff bracelets – $21.49 – Thailand
Silver cuff bracelet – $101.66 – India
Huichol beaded necklace – $76.46 – Mexico
Sterling and water buffalo horn ring – $77.95 – Indonesia
Resin preserved and gold plated rose petal earrings – $37.95 – Thailand
Gold vermeil citrine ring – $53.96 – India
Leather bracelet – $19.95 – Indonesia
Pearl cuff bracelet – $319.95 – Indonesia
So, what did I get? Well, I put my order in and on August 19th, I was notified that they would be shipping directly from Bali/Java. I was really surprised when the package showed up so quickly, just 5 days later via Fed Ex!
Each item came in it’s own adorable gift box with tiny booklets for each. The invoice was in a little envelope with a hand-signed card from Bali. Everything was presented in such a special personal way, it truly felt like you were receiving a gift from a far-away land.
I got the the sterling/citrine/bone ring and it’s gorgeous. I haven’t worn it out yet but I know people will ask about it since it’s so unusual. There’s so much personality and every detail of it is perfect.
I also picked out this pale leather adjustable bracelet. My wrists are teeny and this fits just right at the tightest of three settings. I may have to cut off the excess on the strap. It will take a bit for it to soften and conform to my wrist since it’s really thick but, I’m going to wear this constantly.
Well, this was a ton of fun! Love love love the pieces I received! Hope you’ve enjoyed checking out all these unusual items from around the globe. Find more at NOVICA.
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