As a follower of Pangea Collection, you likely know that the price of silver has continued to rise of the last couple of years. Even with the increase in silver prices, confectioners are continuing to create delicious treats rolled in delicate sheets of silver.

Silver leaf, like the jewellery from Pangea Collection, is made by hand in small workshops. The leaf is made by men who pound silver until it is flattened to a very fine sheet.

Part of the festival celebration is about indulging in food including sweets such as kaju katli. Kuju katli is a dessert made of cashews, sugar, milk and cardamom and is wrapped in silver leaf.

Silver and Gold leaf was at one time used to garnish the food of royalty and is very popular as an elegant decoration on cakes and chocolates. It has also been used traditionally in tobacco products, mouthwash and even rice dishes.

Theoretically silver is flavourless but psychologically it adds value to the sweets in it’s beauty. It is also believe to have value for therapeutic purposes. Some doctors still recommend silver leaf as beneficial for the heart, stomach and mind.

Of course conversely questions have been raised about the negative effects of silver leaf on health leading some confectioners to stop using silver leaf on their sweets.

Happy Diwali, you decide if your sweets should be with or without silver leaf!

Eric and Barbara own the Waterfall Tea Room in Yarker (near Kingston, ON). They offer vegetarian lunches and home made pies – apparently people from neighbouring towns come for the pies!

On weekend evenings they offer both a dine in and take away service of slow-smoked ribs and rotisserie chicken – yum!

In addition to being socially minded with fair trade, they are also green with their “no waste” approach to production and packaging.

If you are in Yarker stop by and say hello to Barbara and Eric at the Waterfall Tea Room 2810 Bridge Street and have a slice of pie for me.

This year more individuals will stand in solidarity with the more than 12 million who are struggling to survive the ongoing famine in the Horn of Africa. CARE is helping to address the immediate needs of those 12 million including access to food and water as well as providing long-term development solutions.

It is critical that the global community, be aware of the individuals, families and communities struggling to survive. Through CARE’s National Day of Action a spotlight will be placed on this issue. Walk in solidarity with those suffering and encourage policymakers to take a stand and invest in programs that make a difference.

See how you can take action by visiting the CARE National Day Of Action page on their website.

The Cuff Bracelet
The Cuff Bracelet brings focus to the arm, look for sculptured metal bangles and two-toned bracelets (gold-silver or rose gold-silver).

Cuff Bangle Trend

Shop the Cuff Bangle Trend

Bright Colored Jewelry
Runways were heating up with Bright and Vibrant Colors. Blue, coral, pink, purple, yellow, green and orange, if it’s bright, it’s hot. Add some vibrant jewelry to add punch to your outfit.

The Bright Colored Jewelry Trend

Shop The Bright Colored Jewelry Trend

Floral Jewelry
April showers bring may flowers but you don’t have to wait. Floral patterns were popping up all over the spring runway.

Floral Jewelry Trend

Shop the Floral Jewelry Trend

Macrame & Crochet Jewelry
Who says crafty can’t be sexy? Not us! Check out the Lace, Crochet and Macramé trend.

Crochet, Macrame & Lace Trend

Shop The Crochet, Macrame & Lace Jewelry Trend

Outer Galaxy Inspired Jewelry
The Outer Galaxy trend is somewhat inspired by Gaga. Unusual shapes, compositions, futuristic taste and lots of silver define this style.

Outer Galaxy Jewelry Trend

Shop the Outer Galaxy Jewelry Trend

The Fringe Choker Jewelry Trend
The Neck ring, fringe chokers and collar styles are at the top of spring summer 2011 wish lists.

Fringe Choker Jewelry Trend

Shop The Fringe Choker Jewelry Trend

Check out all of the Fair Trade Jewellery From India.

Prices start at $20 and include free shipping. Check out some of our favourites below.

New Fair Trade Jewelry From India

The new artisan jewellery from Bali includes earrings, pendants and rings. Take a look at a few of the highlights below.

Check out all of the New Bali Artisan Jewellery.

New Bali Artisan Jewellery

As a consumer you can purchase goods with a fair trade certified logo to help contribute to empowering individuals to achieve a self sustainable future for themselves and their families.

What is a fair trade town?

A fair trade town is a municipality that supports fair trade and makes the availability of fair trade products wide spread within the town. There are six requirements to becoming a fair trade town:

1. The local council must use fair trade certified products and supports the fair trade town campaign.
2. Stores and restaurants serve fair trade certified products
3. Workplaces, faith groups and schools use and promote fair trade certified products
4. Public awareness events and media coverage of the campaign
5. A steering committee must be formed to continue fair trade growth and committment
6. Other ethical and sustainable initiatives are promoted within the town

Congratulations to our friends in Vancouver for this wonderful objective of helping to eliminate poverty around the world.

To find out more about Fair Trade Vancouver visit their site.

Uganda Jewelry - Recycled Paper Jewelry and more

The jewelry also includes bone fashion bangles and weaved palm tree coin purses in bright and fun colours.

Take a look at all the Uganda Jewelry on the website.

The Bali jewelry is always very popular among our customers as it as a beautiful and unique Balinese pattern to the pieces. You call always pick out a Balinese designed piece of jewelry just by looking at the patterns in the design.

Beautiful New Bali Artisan Jewellery

With this new collection there are new artisan rings, one which features abalone shell mixed with sterling silver Balinese pattern alternated in a checkered fashion on the face of a square adjustable ring. The second ring is a large artisan cocktail ring with a round face featuring a carved Balinese traditional floral design pattern. This ring is stunning.

We’ve also received in a number of new harmony ball pendants, our most popular item at Pangea Collection. Check out the new selection.

Of course earrings and other pendants are among our customer favs as well. This new collection includes a large shell and sterling silver drop shape pendant in red and white shell mix; a silver filigree butterfly or dragonfly pendant with amethyst accent stone along with coordinating earrings with a variety of accent stones. Large filigree loop earrings and more.

Check out all the artisan jewellery at Pangea Collection.

New Chile Fair Trade Jewelry

As you will well know, Chile recently suffered a terrible earthquake. As the people of Chile focus on rebuilding, jewellery artisans need to find export markets to sell their jewellery in order to earn a living and support their families.

Not only are these jewellery pieces helping a worthy cause but they are also beautiful and fashionable.

Jewellery materials include glass jewelry, copper jewelry, ceramic jewelry, macrame and crochet jewelry. The jewelry includes cocktail rings, earrings, bracelets, cuff bangles and necklaces.

The jewelry features some of the traditional materials used in Chile such as Lapis and copper. One of the artisans creates stunning copper cuff bracelets with bronze and various stone accents. He creates a similar style of copper and bronze rings.

Glass is also a common material used by Chilean jewelry artisans. The new fair trade jewelry includes glass necklaces, glass cocktail rings and earrings.

A new material for Pangea Collection are the macramé and crochet earrings. These are available in bright colours and are even available in a butterfly design.

There are also new artisan cocktail rings made with ceramic and glass. They feature adjustable wide bands and a funky round or rectangular ring face. Perfect for making a statement.

Check out the all of the Chile fair trade jewelry on the website.

Prices start at just $19.99 and include free shipping.

Together we can do our small part to enable artisans in Chile and all over the world.