Emmanuelle Collection Necklace
Made in: The Dominican Republic
Artisan Group: Manos Esforzadas
Featuring a stunning Larimar stone, this gorgeous necklace set is handmade by artisans at Manos Esforzadas and beautifully represents the Christmas story. The star represents the Star of Bethlehem, the three-bead strand represents the three wise men, the amber bead represents Joseph and the pearl represents Mary, and the Larimar stone represents Jesus.
Each necklace can be purchased individually or as a full set for a reduced cost. Every purchase supports artisans and feeds kids across the globe!
Larimar Stone - The Jewel of the Caribbean
The Larimar stone is a gemstone found only in one location on the planet: a remote mountain range of the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean. It’s been found nowhere else, making it both rare and special. Its beautiful hues range from light blue with a touch of aquamarine to strong, deep, electric blues. Natural white patterns make each piece unique.
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FMSC food partner Buckner International started Manos Esforzadas after realizing that there are so many Dominican women who struggle every day to raise their families and to find a successful form of employment. Many of the women of Manos Esforzadas sold empanadas in their community, offered upholstery services or Christmas decorations to their neighbors, but many times the empanadas were not sold, their neighbors were not interested in the upholstery or paid very little for the Christmas decorations that had taken so long to craft.
Manos Esforzadas began with just one woman, teaching her the techniques and the correct way to design a quality product. It has been a long, learning process since then, but today the program employs nine women as part of the project and they dream of seeing more and more women involved every day.
Each artisan is paid a fair wage that enables them to provides for their families. Manos Esforzadas aims to renew themselves every day, thinking of new products that support these beautiful women.