KazuriAmerica.com sells handmade jewelry made by African women in Kenya. The Kazuri name, which is Swahili for “small and beautiful,” was started in 1975, so they’ve been around a while. I really enjoy finding operations like this, it makes me appreciate the Internet more and more, and I’m all for globalization.

TarmaDesigns.com gets its name from the Peruvian Village… Tarma. First time I saw this jewelry I was thinking it was going to be another overpriced item that gets circulated around design blogs, but I was very wrong. And happy I was wrong because their prices are very reasonable. And like any good nature themed company, they use recyclable material and low environmental impact techniques to make their jewelry. This will definitely go on my best gifts for travellers list.

Finally, something positive I’ve found that relates to Afghanistan.  These fluorite bracelets are made by women in Afghanistan, they help local economy, help fair labor practices, and “emphasizes humane animal practices”…you know all that eco goodness you wanted.  And their packaging is eco friendly as well.  I’m just excited to find something cool about Afghanistan instead of hearing about terrorism.  You can check them out at organicstyle.com.  For only $19.95, that seems pretty good.