Origin: Made in Bharat (India)

Material: Sustainable wood, natural lacquer, organic colours

Colour: Ocean Green

Lacquer : Organic vegetable dyes

Sustainability: Handmade, Geographical Indication (GI) - World Trade Organization

These sustainable, eco-friendly earrings have been handcrafted by artisans from Channapatna (a small town in Southern India) using the 200 year old toy craft of lac turnery. The earrings are made of lightweight wood and the colours are natural using plant-based dyes.

The earrings are handcrafted using time-honoured traditional skills, initially introduced by Persian toy makers. The age old craft was in danger of dying but is now protected as a geographical indication (GI) under the World Trade Organization, and supported by the Dutch Government. Various social enterprises have also been instrumental in reviving the Channapatna craft and today small-scale industries have been established to help artisans work on this art-form.

Buying this product will help keep the industry alive and support its artisans.

Check out other colours and designs in this range. Match with wooden necklace and bangles.

A perfect gift for anyone passionate about all things colourful. Great Summer accessory.

Handmade Drop Earrings - Ocean Green

£19.99

£14.99

Quantity

This eco-friendly jewellery has been created by artisans in India in Channapatna, also called the Town of Toys ("Gombegala nagara") or Gombegala Ooru (toy-town), famous for its wooden toys and lacquerware. The artisans are helping keep this craft alive by re-purposing their products to meet current requirements.
This craft has been passed down through generations, initially introduced by Persian toy makers. The origin of this art can be traced to the reign of Tipu Sultan, the ruler of the southern Indian kingdom of Mysore and a pioneer of rocket artillery, who invited artisans from Persia to train the local artisans in the making of wooden toys. Bavas Miyan, the father of Channapatna Toy, later adopted the Japanese technology for toy-making to help artisans improve their skills. For nearly two centuries, ivory-wood was the main wood used in the making of these toys, though rosewood and sandalwood were also occasionally used.

The craft has diversified since then and other more sustainable woods are now used. Natural vegetable dyes are used in the colouring process.

The Channapatna craft industry was on the verge of dying before it was rescued by the State Government of Karnataka and is currently being supported by the Dutch Government. Today the artisans are being trained to create products that are more suited to the current needs and industry trends.
Exposure to chemicals, including perfumes, can damage the lacquer on the earring. It’s best to spray perfume prior to putting on your jewellery.

Do not wash with water and wipe and dry immediately if it comes in direct contact with water.

Always use a damp cloth if you need to wipe clean the earring.

Always store in a cool, dark and dry place as the lustre of the lacquer can be affected if directly exposed to sunlight over a period of time.

Avoid impact against hard surfaces as it can chip the earring.