In the mid 1990s, Joyeria Semilla, Spanish for "seed jewelry," began its small fair trade workshop to provide much needed jobs and services to Colombian youth. Located in the Andean town of Villa de Leyva, 7,200 feet above sea level, Joyeria Semilla serves young people ages 9-25 who are at high risk of delinquency.

Youths are given the opportunity to study a craft and earn an income. After learning to use the tools of the trade and understanding the basics of jewelry-making, these young artisans create pieces made from seeds and small pieces of bamboo found locally.

The project serves underprivileged youth who struggle with alcoholism, prostitution, begging and thievery - the all too familiar products of communities with limited education or employment prospects. Several of the artisans are also single mothers, and for most, this is their only safe way to earn a living.

When funds are available, the workshop provides a daily meal and housing to the neediest. Unfortunately, the lack of a profitable market for the jewelry has resulted in a lower number of youth who can be employed and some services have decreased. Until recently, the jewelry was primarily sold in local Colombian markets. But now, with the assistance of fair trade importers like One World Projects, there is renewed hope that sustainable income can provide for the needs of these disadvantaged young people.

Please help the workshop through your fair trade purchases - together we can make a real difference to some young artisans in Colombia.

4-Strand Red Seed and Silver Pearl Necklace
$34.00
SE:C2P
Love the necklace above, but want a bit of silver, too? That's what we now have! The small silver spheres add an extra touch of fashion. Very pretty!
(Sorry - out of stock.)

Red Choco Seed Coiled Bracelet     $14.00
1 1/4" high x 2 1/2" diameter
SE:CB1

Red Choco Seed Bola
with Pink Tagua Nuts    $20.00
45" length    SE:TS-B1

Black Seed Bola
with Red Tagua Nuts    $20.00
45" length      SE:TS-B2
(Sorry - out of stock.)

Coiled Palmita and Chirilla Seed Bracelet
1 1/4" high x 2 1/2" diameter
SE:CB-4
$12.00

Coiled Bamboo and Chirilla Seed Bracelet
1" high x 2 1/2" diameter
SE:CB-5
$12.00

Coiled White Bean and Chirilla Seed Bracelet
1" high x 2 1/2" diameter
SE:CB-6
$12.00

Wide All-Red Seed Elastic Bracelet

SE:WB-2
$14.00

Wide Black with Red Edge Seed Elastic Bracelet

SE:WB-4
$14.00

Black Coiled Bean Bracelet
1 1/2" high x 2 3/4"diameter
SE:CB-7
$12.00

Wide Elastic Red Seed Bracelet
2" wide
SE:WB1
$14.00

Coiled Bean and Bamboo Collar    $12.00
1" high x 5" diameter
SE:CC-2 (light bamboo) or SE:CC-2D (dark bamboo)
(Sorry - out of stock) >

Coiled Black Seed Bracelet    $12.00  
1" high x 2 1/4"diameter
SE:CB-3

Coiled Black Seed and Bamboo Collar    $12.00
1/2" high x 5 3/4"diameter
SE:CC-3 (light bamboo) and SE:CC-3D (dark bamboo)

Color - Lt. Brown (Natural)
SE:C1

Bamboo and Choco Seed Collars    $5.00

6 1/4" diameter
Collars have an elastic band.
One Size Fits All
(Sorry - out of stock.)

Color - Black (Stained)
SE:C1D

Tagua and Sterling Silver Bracelets   $39.00

w/ Elastic Band
1" wide x 2 1/4" diameter

Sorry SE:TG-B2 is out of stock

Short Choco Seed Earrings    $ 16.00
1/2" wide x 1 1/4" long
SE:E1-S

Long Choco Seed Earrings    $ 16.00
1/2" wide x 1 3/4" long
SE:E1-L

Collar of Turned Red Tagua w/ Sterling Silver    $35.00
Tagua Beads 1/2" x 1/2"      29" long
SE:TG-C1
(Sorry - out of stock)

Jewelry Section Quick Links:

Jewelry Main Page
 Tagua Nut Jewelry
   Animal Profile
   Animal Sets
   Contemporary Earrings
   Contemporary Necklaces
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Aztec
Afghan Stone
Caña Flecha
Colombian Coal
Colombian Seed
East African
Glass Bead
Guatemalan Wood
Indian Metal
Orange Peel
Shipibo Seed
West African

One World Projects is a member of the Fair Trade Federation, Coop America, Social Venture Network, and the Aid to Artisan Trade Network. We're committed to helping economically disadvantaged artisans and farmers worldwide in a environmentally beneficial manner.