Rose Quartz-Drops Earrings and Cable Bracelet with Floral Shaped Charm from Zavida Gemstones
Derived from a blend of Hebrew, Urdu, and Italian words meaning “a gift of splendor and treasure”, Zavida Gemstones is a socially-conscious online retailer specializing in semi-precious handcrafted jewelry from around the world.
Founded in 2005 by former corporate powerhouses Lee Gelb and Shelly Milano, Zavida’s offerings are obtained by traveling the globe to seek out artisans in struggling regions who have the passion and talent to create wearable works of art. Combining Lee and Shelly’s love for gemstones and philanthropy to help struggling artisans half-way around the world, Zavida gives an unprecendented 25% of its profits back to the regions and artists where its pieces originate.
Most of Zavida’s jewelry and gemstones and sourced directly from artisans around the globe, so they are typically priced one to two times less than traditional jewelry stores. As the company expands, it is actively working to implant at least one profit-sharing project in all areas where it trades. The funds will go toward jewelry training, tools, and finance programs to better the lives of the recipients and their families.
The Silversmith Project in India is the first of Zavida’s “give back” endeavors, to which the company has granted $23,000 in 2008. The funds support the 2001 earthquake-destroyed city of Bhuj in the state of Gujarat, an area renowned for their artisans and traditional craft and jewelry-making skills. In partnership with two Indian grassroots nonprofit organizations, Zavida implemented its project to help revive the region’s silver craft.
Carrying a mix of both one-of-a-kind, as well as small and large-run pieces, Zavida carries jewelry utilizing more than 35 types of gemstones, most of which are handmade pieces ranging in price from less than $50, to more than $1000. Shoppers to their site can easily sort by price, gemstone, jewelry type, and even geographic origin.
We received the Sterling Silver Rose Quartz-Drops Earrings and the Sterling Silver Cable Bracelet with Floral Shaped Charm. Measuring in at 1.5”, the earring has 8 rose quartz-drops that dangle from a sterling silver wire. It’s designed in India and retails for $50. At 7.5” in length (adjustable), the bracelet is made of three strands of sterling silver cable with a floral-shaped charm at its center. It is designed in Indonesia and retails for $100.
The bracelet is absolutely gorgeous. Without fail, I receive compliments on it every time I wear it. It’s a very feminine piece, dainty, elegant, and has sort of a vintage look to it. It’s also a very classic piece, truly seasonless, and one that will go well with practically anything you wish to wear with it. The strand of silver cable is undeniably chic and pairs up fabulously with the charm at its center. The charm, with its intricate openwork is simply beautiful. I love looking at it and so do other women, it registers high on the adoration meter. If you’re looking to spend on a sterling silver bracelet that you’ll be able to wear year after year after year, I would recommend you take a look at this one. You’ll be happy you did.
The earring is effortless elegance defined. The quartz-drops give off a sparkle that is more understated than flashy. Evening is my pet time to wear it because of the ways in which light catches the sparkle of its movement. I love to wear it with the cable bracelet, paired with a little black dress (check out these gorgeous LBDs by Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent - Ruffle Dress and ‘Waisted’ Slipdress). It creates a look that is polished and effortlessly chic.
With the downturn in the economy, Zavida is your gateway to jewelry from around the world, without having to travel the globe. In addition, you’re making a statement through striking jewelry while contributing to a greater good. Now, doesn’t that make you want to shop? Go ahead – you deserve it and so do the jewelry makers all over the world that you end up helping out!
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