There are some really cool bracelets and necklaces in this collection. This tribal made jewelry is very fashionable, but there is much more to it than that. 
It originated as a self-survival element to raise money for basic family and village needs. It is a very cool story. The items themselves are very colorful and fun. Perfect for that simple look. It amazes me the number of beads and colors used. If you think about it – these things really must take an extreme amount of time and care to assemble. The items range in price, around $30-$100 and the profits, as I mentioned, help the Kenyan community that provides it. The Leakey’s really stumbled upon a great gift and were able to market the goods – while keeping the artisan’s in the loop and profiting.
About
Based in The Rift Valley Kenya, East Africa, The Leakey Collection founders Katy and Philip Leakey, combine their talents in interior design and the arts with their love of nature to develop stunning handcrafted products for an international market.
Using natural elements such as fallen wood, grass and porcelain, these renowned designers create unique products while protecting the environment and providing economic opportunity to the local communities. Zulugrass and Zuluwood beads, bracelets and necklaces are sold in stores worldwide. The entire collection is now available on LeakeyLife.com, their online retail site.
From high fashion jewelry to home interior design accessories, The Leakey Collection’s natural elegance distinguishes this high end product line as one of the world’s premier offerings.
Zulugrass concept was born out of need. A devastating drought in Kenya in 2001 forced the men to leave behind the women and children, so they could take the surviving cattle far up country in search of grazing land. As a result, the Leakey’s found themselves supporting as many as 100 Maasai families by giving them money for food, school fees, medical expenses and housing.
This was not sustainable for either party and the Leakeys knew they had to find another way. What transpired has become a successful business and philanthropic endeavor for the Leakeys and the Massai people. Distributed to over 1200 retail outlets and available for purchase online (www.leakeycollection.com), the Leakey Collection’s Zulugrass jewelry provides beautiful, handmade accessories to brighten a woman’s look and offers a sustainable way of life for the nomadic people of Kenya. Not only are the Massai women paid for their work and given the flexibility they need to maintain their jobs, 5% of profits go back to supporting infrastructure in the Rift Valley of Kenya.
Buy it
Distributed to over 1200 retail outlets and available for purchase online (www.leakeycollection.com), this unique jewelry gives back.
Disclaimer: I was not paid or did not receive any compensation, but did receive samples to review and test out. The opinions in this post are soley mine.
