Meet the makers

“WE TAKE CARE OF OUR FOREST BECAUSE IT PRODUCES THE SEEDS WE NEED TO MAKE OUR JEWELLERY” – Balbina Paukai

AMARNO is an association of more than sixty women from the indigenous community of Urakuza in Northern Peru. They come together to produce organic jewellery using seeds harvested from their forest. A great deal of patience and skill is needed, as each individual seed is meticulously hand drilled using a needle, after drying in the sun for over a month.

The aim of the AMARNO artisan group is to empower women by creating sustainable incomes for their families in a way which does not harm the surrounding forest. Their skills have been honed over the last 15 years, making these women some of Peru’s best artisans.

You can buy AMARNO jewellery here.