Jaipur, India is known as the ‘pink city' because that's the colour of many of the local buildings. It is the centre of the jewellery and semi-precious stone business in India .
Silver work is done largely by men. Many of them are from villages outside the city; they stay in Jaipur while working during the week and then head back to their homes for weekends and holidays. Jewellery making is a skilled craft and can provide a good income when the workers are treated fairly.
The artisans working here are skilled in both traditional Indian designs and the interpretation of more modern work. They are keen to try new things and always eager for additional orders.
Oxfam Ireland 's Indian silver jewellery is purchased from Ornament through ASHA Handicrafts, our partner for many different products in India . ASHA provides design and business assistance to all their producer partners and has helped ensure that all workshops have adequate health and safety equipment. They run clinics and after school clubs for artisans' children, and even help artisans with low interest loans when necessary. ASHA has been exporting since 1975, and has been an Oxfam Ireland partner since 2000.
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