Precious Sage Earrings

A simple strand of leaves, brought to life through capiz-- a unique material derived from the shell of the windowpane oyster. This interesting name comes from the days when shells were used in windows, before glass became available in the Philippines. Soaked, dyed and dried, the process of transforming the natural shell into a work of art requires expert skill. 

Who Made It: SAFFY, Inc. stands for Social Action for Filipino Youth. SAFFY, Inc. markets handmade crafts for many small artisan workshops, and specializes in capiz shell items. Artisans benefit from educational seminars, vocational training, financial and medical assistance. An in-house Product Designer assists artisan groups in the development of new product lines. SAFFY was founded in 1966 by Sr. Juliaan Mullie, a Belgian nun, to create alternative sources of livelihood for impoverished women and youth in marginalized areas of Manila. It expanded to serve communities in need by launching social development programs. SAFFY, Inc. is a member of the WFTO, and is affiliated with Advocate of Philippine Fair Trade, Inc., Asia Fair Trade Forum and Philippine Fair Trade Forum. Ten Thousand Villages has purchased a wide variety of capiz ornaments and crafts from SAFFY, Inc. since 1986. SAFFY provides marketing and export services to about 70 artisan workshops. SAFFY provides employment for more than 1,000 people, including 40 workers in its own production unit.

Materials: Capiz shell with silver-plated brass

Handcrafted in the Philippines