Pangea-Collection.com Blog

This holiday season give the ones you love the quintessential gift of harmony with a piece from Pangea Collection’s artisan Harmony Ball Jewelry. Available as a pair of earrings or a pendant, each sterling silver, handcrafted Harmony Ball chimes softly when shaken, evoking memories of sleigh bells and holidays past. Made by the skilled silversmiths of Celuk, Bali, each ethereal piece is unique and tells a story in its design and song!

Artisan Crafted Harmony Ball Pendants and Earrings

Pangea Collection artisan jewelry and fair trade jewelry was used to style models for the Rush Couture Spring/Summer 2009 show on Wednesday, October 15th in Montreal.

Pangea Collection’s fair trade bangles from India were used on the models. Check out the beautiful designs by Claudet Floyd and how the Pangea Collection bangles give a pop of color perfect for any season!

These wood bangle jewelry pieces are handmade by a fair trade organisation in India and are brightly colored using vegetable dye.

October is well known as breast cancer awareness month, it is lesser known as Fair Trade month. Fair Trade can be supported by purchasing goods which are designated fair trade products and/or produced by fair trade organisations.

Another way to support fair trade is to increase awareness by reading about fair trade and fair trade producers. In a previous article the Karen Tribe was highlighted as one such group of fair trade jewelry producers. In this article, another fair trade jewelry artisan group, the Mien will be featured.

The lu Mien are heavily influenced by Chinese culture and are believed to have originated from southern China. At least a million Mien are still living in China and there are also settlements found in Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. In Thailand the Mien are mostly residing to the north of Chiang Rai or Phavao province.

The lu Mien arrived in Thailand from Laos in during the latter half of the 19th century. There are no sub-tribal groupings within the Mien population, so there is little difference in the customary dress and appearance of the group. A woman’s outfit would include a black turban and a red ruff which has the appearance of a boa even though it is sewn into the front part of the tunic’s collar. The woman’s pants are heavily embroidered and are worn underneath a black or dark blue colored tunic that extends to the ankle. The outfit is tied with a wide sash. Women and children also wear silver neck rings with chains of silver ornaments attached that extend down their back.

For the Mien handmade silver jewelry is more than an adornment, it is also a statement of status and wealth. The silver jewelry worn by a young Mien woman helps a suitor to decide on a prospective bride.
Skilled silversmiths handcraft silver into intricate chains and petite flowers creating exquisite pieces of handmade silver jewelry that a Mien bride will wear in a heavy cascade down her back.

Handmade Silver Necklace - Mien

Many fair trade jewelry etailers support the Mien jewelry artisans and in doing so help maintain the high craft skills of a justly product ethnic culture while also enabling them to earn an income to support their families.

Consider supporting fair trade artisans when you purchase products especially during fair trade month.

In our effort to support Fair Trade month, I am including some posts during the month of October on a few of the Fair Trade Jewelry artisans who create the beautiful pieces of artisan jewelry found in the pages of Pangea Collection’s website.

Today is a post on the Karen Tribe. Pangea Collection purchases pieces of artisan jewelry from members of the Karen Tribe via a fair trade organisation in Thailand where members of this tribe live.

The Karen Tribe in Thailand are in the northern Lamphun Province and they draw on their ethnic tribal background for their traditional skills and artistry working with silver.

Karen women adorn themselves with handmade silver jewelry for occasions such as New Year festivities - when they know they will be visited by young men from neighbouring villages. The handmade silver jewelry that they display denotes wealth, and in some communities the young men craft artifacts from silver to be worn by their future brides on their wedding day.

Today the majority of men do not actively practice the craft of artisan jewelry making, however women have become silver jewelry artisans in order to generate income.

There is a sophisticated simplicity in the craft designs of the Karen. The ethnic motifs and matte finish of their traditional handmade silver jewelry reflect their affinity with nature as featured in the appealing jewelry skilfully adapted for contemporary lifestyle.

Pangea-Collection.com features a collection of Karen handmade silver jewelry which reflects the highest quality craftsmanship, intricately assembled and finished. Please consider supporting Fair Trade Month and one way you can do that is by treating yourself to a beautiful piece of fair trade jewelry from Thailand.

Karen Artisan Fair Trade Silver Necklace

Pangea Collection fair trade jewelry is celebrating Fair Trade Month starting October 1, 2008 until October 31, 2008, although we think fair trade should be celebrated every day. We are celebrating by donating
$1 from any Fair Trade Jewelry order (prices start at just $19.99 and include free shipping to the continental United States and Canada) to Opportunity International.

Opportunity International is one of the world’s largest micro financing organizations. We are very proud to support Opportunity International in their ongoing efforts.

To participate in the fair trade month celebration please add “Fair Trade Jewelry” to the special instructions during checkout.

For those who are not familiar with fair trade or would like to learn more, below is a brief explanation about the principles of fair trade.

Fair Trade is a trading partnership that seeks equity in international trade. It is intended to contribute sustainable development by providing better trading conditions as well as ensuring the rights of marginalized workers, especially in those in developing countries.

Fair Trade organizations make an effort to generate awareness in order to promote change in the rules and practice of conventional international trade. Fair Trade’s key objectives are to:

- Work with marginalized producers and workers to aid them in achieving self reliance

- Empower producers and workers as stakeholders in their own organizations

- Actively participate in the global marketplace to assist in achieving greater equity in international trade

Wherever possible Pangea Collection is committed to working with Fair Trade organizations and small independent artisans around the world. This business philosophy guides the Pangea Collection buying practices and jewelry artisan selection.

Pangea Collection’s goal is to do our part in enabling jewelry artisans, particularly women and those living in developing markets, to earn an income through the practice of their craft. In our own small way Pangea Collection is working towards supporting the livelihoods of these skilled artisans. In many cases their crafts are the living expression of deep cultural traditions and Pangea Collection, along with the Fair Trade organizations with which we work, believe in the importance of the preservation of these cultures. We also believe that interpretation and the evolution of such crafts are important for their long-term sustainability.

Kenyan Fair Trade Tribal Necklace

Surin Fair Trade Bracelet

Please support fair trade month and consider a piece of fair trade jewelry from one of the following:

Fair Trade Jewelry Collections:
Chilean Fair Trade Jewelry
Ecuadorian Fair Trade Jewelry
Indian Fair Trade Jewelry
Kenyan Fair Trade Jewelry
Thailand Fair Trade Jewelry
Nepalese Fair Trade Jewelry
Ugandan Women’s Cooperative Jewelry

Pangea Collection - artisan jewelry has just received a new collection of Handmade Silver Jewelry pieces from Mexico.

Taxco, Mexican jewelry is very popular for the 925 jewelry and artisan jewelry pieces that reflect the long history of silver mining and later silver smithing in Taxco, Mexico.

These new handcrafted silver jewelry pieces not only reflect the artisan jewelry style of Mexican jewelry but also the latest trend toward large earrings and chandelier earrings. There are also two other pieces in the new collection which are silver bangles and a silver choker.

Take a look at the new pieces in the Mexican Jewelry Collection.

Silver Bangle Bracelet

Silver Bangle Bracelet - Mexican Jewelry

Silver Choker Necklace

Silver Choker Necklace

Silver Hoop Earrings

Silver Hoop Earrings - Mexican Jewelry

Silver Hammered Disc Earrings

Silver Hammered Disc Earrings - Mexican Collection

Hope you like the new collection.

The romantic look is hot this fall. Here is a suggestion on how to use artisan jewelry to complete the romantic look.

Artisan Jewelry pieces featured in this set from Pangea Collection are:

Balinese Sterling Silver and Onyx Bead Necklace and Bracelet
Balinese Sterling Silver Intricate Patterned Silver Bangle Bracelet
Balinese Filigree Silver Earrings

How to accessorize a 70s retro outfit of trouser jeans and a 70s style flowing top. Below are suggested artisan jewelry and fair trade jewelry pieces which will complete your retro 70s look.

Pangea Collection pieces featured in this set are:

Fair Trade Jewelry - Burnt Bone Necklace
Fair Trade Jewelry - Resin Necklace on Cord
Fair Trade Jewelry - Resin Chain Necklace on Cord
Fair Trade Jewelry - Bone Burnt Cuff
Fair Trade Jewelry - Bone and Brass Ring Necklace
Fair Trade Jewelry - Wide Wood Bangle
Balinese Handmade Silver Jewelry Drop Earrings
Balinese Chandelier and Turquoise Earrings
Fair Trade Jewelry - Bone and Brass Bangles
Fair Trade Jewelry - Brass Leaf Pendant Necklace

Pangea Collection has just received a new collection of artisan jewelry. The collection is handmade silver jewelry from Mexico.

New pieces include fabulous chandelier earrings, dangling earrings, hoop earrings, loop earrings silver choker necklace and a silver bangle bracelet.

Long Silver Chandelier Earrings

Fall is arriving, one of the biggest signs for me is when the Canadian Geese start to warm up their wings. You can see them flying around in circles and squawking. They are such a beautiful animal, but that’s for another post.

In preparation for fall and winter 2008/09 fashions, I’d like to introduce you to a few new artisan jewelry pieces as well as highlight a few key fall and winter fashion trends. Pangea Collection’s believe however is - go with what you love and while it’s great to have a few trendy pieces, we believe that the best fashions stand the test of time.

Actually we’re seeing many “trends” each new season that are either somewhat of a continuation of previous season’s themes or are retro. These retro trends make it perfect for shopping your closet.

Go in deep to the back of the closet I bet you still have something from seventies and/or 80s in there, unless of course you weren’t born yet, in this case raid your mother’s closet. Some of you (or your mom) may even have pieces that work beautifully for the 50s glam pin up look.

This season basically every era is back and you’ll look right on trend wearing any retro decade piece – one suggestion though is not to over do it. One or two retro pieces, whether apparel or artisan jewelry, with something more contemporary works really well. This is a common way for the designers to make retro fashions look contemporary. They add a new twist to the retro style either in design, fabric or accessories.

Our suggestion is dig out and recycle/reuse those beautiful retro pieces from the back of the closet and mix them up with fresh elements, you’ll be looking perfectly stylish.

Here are a few of the trends and in particular I’ll highlight the artisan jewelry pieces from Pangea Collection that could put the finishing details on the outfit. Don’t forget though to look at what you already have and add new pieces only where you need them, this will save you money and time shopping and is eco responsible.

Here are a few of the Fall/Winter 2008/09 trends:

Overarching
Two over arching trends are:

i. A mix of day for night. By this I mean wearing pieces which one would traditionally wear as evening wear for daywear. I’m not talking the full on gown but rather a sequin tank say under a blazer for a little daytime sparkle.

ii. Trends that run through both apparel and accessories most of the trends are affecting all elements of the outfit which is nice because you can choose how far you go with the look of the trend by the element you select ie want to be a little more subtle go with just one accessory from the trend.

Colour Trends
Apparel and artisan jewelry in purple, pink, deep red, green and blue are hot.

Bali Green Agate and Silver Drop Earrings

I. Isn’t It Romantic
It’s wonderful to have a romantic trend in fashion into the fall. When we want to bundle up into warm sweaters, it’s nice to have a counter balance in flowing fabrics and romantic accessories, a la Victorian style.

Artisan jewelry to achieve this look would definitely include chandelier earrings.

Bangladesh Romantic Chandelier Earrings

II. Mumbai Mystique
Asian fashion and East Indian fashion specifically, is becoming more and more popular. Designer Alexander McQueen’s fall runway show was a perfect example of this. No surprise he spent 6 months in India – makes sense the inspiration for the collection came from India.

Pangea Collection added a large collection of Fair Trade Indian pieces which started to arrive in the end of summer. Check out the new pieces now available many of which include fair trade jewelry. You can view the entire Indian Fair Trade Collection or just the Mumbai Mystique trend pieces

Fair Trade Jewelry - Red Rondelle Burnt Horn Necklace

III. Bangle Bazaar
There seems to be no end to bangle desire – hint this is a good investment to take you into spring/summer 2009. NYC Fashion Week was last week and there were plenty of big chunky bangles on the runway for Spring/Summer 09.

Check out the artisan jewelry bangle collection

Fair Trade Jewelry - Jali Cut Wood Bangle

IV. Metallics
Gold, Brass, Silver and Pewter oh my! Metallic influences in clothing and in accessories. See Pangea Collection’s Metallic Artisan Jewelry

V. Leather
Whether you’re going for the rocker chic look or a more polished classic image, leather is hot this fall.

Leather is showing up in clothing and accessories – from bomber and motorcycle style jackets to leather mini dresses to bags, scarves, gloves and necklaces.

VI. Fringe and Feathers
Fringe dresses like flapper dresses from the 20s, fringes on boots and bags. Feather accents on apparel and accessories.

VII. Architectural
Apparel shapes are reflecting an architectural influence – interesting draping and cuts in the clothing.

Art Deco and Architectural inspired artisan jewelry

VIII. Decade Retro
20s through to the 80s with a focus on 50s Pin Up , 70s Hippie and 80s Preppy

Hot retro artisan jewelry

Chunky Double Wood Chain Necklace - Fair Trade Jewelry

IX. Leg Wear
Tights and knee socks rule again. Cable knit, solids, funky patterns, wet and metallic look to Gossip Girl argyle.

X. Shoes
A word about shoes, as you know I’m a self professed recovering shoe-a-holic. I covet shoes and this season if you love shoes you are in for a treat as shoes take on an important fashion role (not that they didn’t before but even more so this season).

Here are a few shoe trends:
• Ankle Boots Kick It - Lace Up Booties – especially Oxford Style, Booties with Cut Outs, Extra Fabric and Folds
• Boots – Fringe, Riding Boots
• Chunky Platform heels – new 70s anyone?

XI. Long Term Trends
While above are the latest fall/winter 2008/09 trends, I believe that there are two trends that are real long-term trends, rather than fads. These two trends are ethnic fashion and social conscious buying such as fair trade jewelry and fashions.

The reason I believe this (other than the obvious fact that I started a business which is directly related to these two trends) is that is where society is heading.

Our cities are becoming more and more multicultural and we are loving it! We’re loving the food and the fashions.

In terms of social conscious buying everything from green fashion to fair trade is becoming more important. We are asking more questions and we care about how and where we spend our dollars.

Again look for pieces you already have an add to them to give you an current look but one that reflects your own personality, no point in looking just like everyone else.

Happy fall!