Featuring MADE Jewelry…

Have you seen the array recycled brass jewelry featured in our Jigsaw boutiques lately? Exclusively, Jigsaw-London is now showcasing Made jewelry.

Established in 2005 by Cristina Cisilano and her partner Gerson Barnett, Made is an accessories brand with a conscience. In the attempts to break Africa’s cycle of poverty, these two have established a company thoroughly driven by the ’trade not aid’ concept. While Made does work in conjunction with some already established projects, primarily they have moved into Nairobi, Kenya and built their own production facility from scratch. As a company, they work strictly to ensure the upmost sustainable and ethical practices. Every aspect of both the design and production process is closely overseen, from concept to complition.

With the goal to improve Africa’s poverty levels, Made has begun by training local artisans with new skills and providing fair wages. In addition to fair wages, they have built a team of dedicated employees by providing a free hot meal to each worker on duty; they offer medical assistance, housing, and even a travel allowance.

Made showcases a list of featured and well-known designers. In particular, Jigsaw is currently offering a great, rock and roll inspired piece, designed by Alexa Chung. This particular necklace, the Recycled Brass Skull Long Necklace, is an example of limited edition pieces that Made periodically features.

In 2008, Made Africa was founded as an independent charity working in partnership with Made. The charity’s main objectives are to greater relieve poverty and financial hardship throughout Africa. This objective is achieved through the promotion and implementation of training and funding in Africa, specifically for fair-trade and self-help projects.

Needless to say, if you’re looking to shop for new jewelry this summer, shop Made ‘by the people for the people’ and know that you are supporting a company with a great cause. Accessorize beautifully and feel great about it!