Fashion Trend: Collar Necklaces

A new trend that’s going to be popular this fall is the Collar Necklace. Simple but chic, a collar necklace can add a nice touch to a casual outfit or dress up an outfit for a special occasion.

This fall, One World Market is embracing the Collar Necklace trend with some fun, Fair Trade options that will give you a unique way to play with your wardrobe.

And since our options are handmade by very talented artisans in developing countries, we know that each piece will continue to garnish compliments, even after Fall 2012 has passed.

Our first favorite is handmade in India by a cooperative of women artisans:

Wire nests embellished with classic black seed beads, this necklace is truly a work of art!

Also from India, the next two necklaces shimmer with blue tones reminiscent of the ocean:

Also in shades of cool blue, the next collar necklace is made from recycled glass by artisans living in Ghana:

With brass accents, no two necklaces are the same, making it truly a one-of-a-kind statement necklace.

But not all collar necklaces are made of shiny beads, and our next few choices are great examples of the variety in our jewelry collection.

These necklaces are not only Fairly Traded, making them a benefit for the artisans who made them, but they’re also SUSTAINABLE, making them good for the environment!

Each of these necklaces is made from a sustainable nut called Tagua. Found readily in Ecuador, artisans hand-carve each bead from the nut.

Just like the necklace from Ghana, since each bead is handmade, no two are exactly the same. And since each carved nut is hand-dyed, the colors can vary as well.

It’s no secret that we love jewelry at One World Market, but what we really love is being able to embrace current fashion trends with pieces handmade by our artisans.

When you shop Fair Trade, the artisans gets a fair wage for their handy work, and you get a well made handicraft. Fair Trade is truly a growing trend that we hope never goes out of style!

Stop by the store today to see the necklaces featured in today’s post, and ask a volunteer to show you other Collar Necklaces we currently have in stock!

Heading to the Farmer’s Market? Support Fair Trade!

Saturday morning in Durham means one thing: Farmers Market! We here at One World Market love our local Farmer’s Market. What better way to support your local community than buying fresh produce from the farmer themselves!

It never fails that when we visit the Farmer’s Market with our One World Market gear, we always get the same question “Where did you get that?” So today we just wanted to spotlight a few of our favorite bags and baskets that are perfect for going to the Farmer’s Market, the grocery store, and even a picnic on the beach!

Laura’s favorite:

The bolga basket from Ghana. These handmade baskets hold a ton of items and distribute the weight perfectly!

And with so many color choices:

they make a great gift too! And when you’re not using it on the go, you could store kid’s toys, winter scarves and gloves, or any other loose items in your home.

Katie’s favorite shopping bag:

The large Recycled Rice Bag Tote. Handmade in Cambodia from Recycled Rice and Feed bags, this tote not only supports recycling, but it also gives women who were rescued from sex trafficking long term employment, access to mental and physical health care, and a future for their children.

And since it’s made from durable bags, it holds weight and wipes down easily!

April’s favorite bag:

The Recycled Sari silk bag handmade in India. This bag is not only lightweight but it’s still durable enough to hold a load. It’s also compact, with an inner pocket that you can easily stuff the entire bag inside of. Bonus: The lightweight silk dries quickly when wet!

A new option we love:

This nature inspired tote is hand-woven from sturdy Mekong River delta grasses in Vietnam. Whether to hold groceries, a picnic to Eno River, or even to take on a trip to the beach, this tote is a great all around basket! And just like the bolga basket, when you’re not using it on the go, you could store kid’s toys, winter scarves and gloves, or any other loose items in your home.

So the next time you head to the Farmer’s Market, the grocery store, or need a bag to pack a few items, stop by the store! We have lots of fun, function, and Fair Trade options to upgrade your plain canvas bag!

This Valentine’s Day–Give the Gift of LOVE

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and we’re prepared here at One World Market with plenty of gifts that share the LOVE!

The gorgeous silk scarf pictured above, comes in it’s own handmade silk paper heart box; ten times better than a heart box of chocolate!

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Made in Nepal, this silk scarf supports silk weavers living in rural areas of India, who have been struggling with the decline in the market for silk. The silk that is spun and woven by the weavers is sent to master screen printers, many of whom learned the trade from their parents or grandparents.

Another great gift to share the love is a combo gift: pretty AND tasty!

An adorable handmade glass keepsake HEART glass filled with mini dark chocolates, supporting Fair Trade in India and Ghana.

And remember, that when you give a gift that’s FAIR TRADE, you’re not only expressing love to the recipient, but also to the artisan who made the item. Through Fair Trade, you are truly SHARING THE LOVE!