‘Xuba’ collection (means mix in Zulu) resembles the creative combination of different metals and textures from Africa.
These products are inspired by the sights & sounds of Ancient Africa and are a unique mix of African, traditional and modern design suitable for wear and use by individuals who love artisan things. The jewellery is hand finished by burnishing and heat treating which brings out the earthly colours that make it so unique. We hope that by wearing this unique jewellery, you will capture the spirit of Africa and the artisan whom made it.
Details:
- Designed and ethically hand made in South Africa
- Pure brass and coper materials
- The necklace or bracelet will become more beautiful with time, but should you wish, please buff with a polishing cloth
About the producer:
Creative Copper designs and hand makes brass copper and silver jewellery from White River, Mpumalanga – South Africa
Creative Copper brings you the best of both worlds – international trends combined with an understanding of unique South African lifestyle and cultures.
Their collections are handmade locally, creating employment for a team of 50 South African men and women, including the disabled, from disadvantaged communities surrounding White River.
The factory is run on fair trade principles: Minimum wage structures are in place with bonus incentive schemes, wages are paid directly into the worker’s bank accounts, workers are offered sick leave, family responsibility leave, pensions and funeral benefits, UIF pregnancy funds assistance, maternity leave and access to a Labour Union. Life skill training is also a top priority there and they continually train their workers to understand and broaden their horizons on subjects including computer literacy, budgeting, nutrition, banking and assurance.
Every item of jewellery starts life as a single sheet of either copper or brass. The metal is cut to size, heat treated, brazed and joined. The final item is highly polished, cleaned and then covered with hard wearing lacquer. The silver designs are plated with 8 microns of sterling silver in their silver laboratory prior to being lacquered. The process of jewellery making is very labour intensive; from start to finish it is entirely hand made.