As you probably know by now if you are one of our regulars, at Caradiaz we love jewellery but not just any jewellery. We don’t do diamonds, pearls or ‘flimsy’ but are rather more interested in the unique and the unusual, the big, bold, ethnic-inspired necklaces, bracelets and earrings that not only have an individual story behind them but also make the wearer stand out of the crowd. That is what we are all about.

So when my husband, who was away on business, skyped me up from the middle of Africa last week asking whether I was interested in local hand-made beads I jumped off my chair with excitement.

The beads (and my husband!) are now on UK soil and are beautiful. From the pictures my husband took when shown around the factory, they may well be made using rudimentary tools and techniques (by our standards at least) but it’s all about tradition and passing on the skills and craftsmanship to the next generation.

A craftsman works the moulds

Mould being filled

One of the kilns where the beads are fired

Freshly made beads

Stringing the beads

The end result hits the factory's shop

And we are already working hard on the new collection that will feature these beads. Needless to say that it will be suitably African-inspired so watch this space...

Work in progress at Caradiaz