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Dreams fulfilled
Zavida Gemstones' goal of returning 25 percent of profits to assist the regions where our jewelry originates became a reality this year. In June of 2007, we announced our first project grant, destined to aid silversmith families affected by an earthquake in western India.
The 2001 quake struck near Bhuj in the state of Gujarat, an area known for its centuries-old arts and crafts tradition. Some 35,000 people died and much of the city's infrastructure was destroyed. Particularly hard-hit were the area's silversmiths, who did not receive the same level of assistance extended to other craftspeople following the quake.
The Zavida Gemstones silversmith project will work in partnership with two grassroots nonprofit organizations to help revive the silver craft of this region. Starting with 10 families, and ultimately encompassing 50 families, the project will include training, market development, a tool loan program and revolving micro-loans for artisan families. A designer will also work with the artisans to help contemporize ancient and traditional designs for export to Western markets. Training opportunities will include courses geared to young girls interested in silver jewelry making.
Director Sushma Iyengar will oversee administration of the Zavida Gemstones grant, which she welcomed as an opportunity to breathe new life into a once-thriving craft. "We are delighted to enter into what I believe will be a creative and joyful partnership with Zavida Gemstones and the silver artisans,"she said.
As Zavida Gemstones becomes more successful, our goal is to support and help implement at least one project in each continent where our gemstones are mined or where our artists are living. This way, our clients and Zavida Gemstones can make the world a better place. It is our way of living the values we believe in: giving back to people and communities from whom we benefit, substantially sharing the profits so that "everyone wins," and practicing the adage that what is good for business can be good for people and what is good for people is good for business.
For more information, contact Zavida Gemstones.
Phone : 206.465.1533
Email : info@zavidagemstones.com
Fax : 206.230.9190
The 2001 quake struck near Bhuj in the state of Gujarat, an area known for its centuries-old arts and crafts tradition. Some 35,000 people died and much of the city's infrastructure was destroyed. Particularly hard-hit were the area's silversmiths, who did not receive the same level of assistance extended to other craftspeople following the quake.
The Zavida Gemstones silversmith project will work in partnership with two grassroots nonprofit organizations to help revive the silver craft of this region. Starting with 10 families, and ultimately encompassing 50 families, the project will include training, market development, a tool loan program and revolving micro-loans for artisan families. A designer will also work with the artisans to help contemporize ancient and traditional designs for export to Western markets. Training opportunities will include courses geared to young girls interested in silver jewelry making.
Director Sushma Iyengar will oversee administration of the Zavida Gemstones grant, which she welcomed as an opportunity to breathe new life into a once-thriving craft. "We are delighted to enter into what I believe will be a creative and joyful partnership with Zavida Gemstones and the silver artisans,"she said.
As Zavida Gemstones becomes more successful, our goal is to support and help implement at least one project in each continent where our gemstones are mined or where our artists are living. This way, our clients and Zavida Gemstones can make the world a better place. It is our way of living the values we believe in: giving back to people and communities from whom we benefit, substantially sharing the profits so that "everyone wins," and practicing the adage that what is good for business can be good for people and what is good for people is good for business.
For more information, contact Zavida Gemstones.
Phone : 206.465.1533
Email : info@zavidagemstones.com
Fax : 206.230.9190