Spotlight on Ethical Products You'll Love - Part 1

May 26, 2020

Here at San Rocco Italia, we strongly believe in sourcing our products in a way that cares for the people and communities making them while minimising the impact on the environment whenever possible.

With that in mind, over the next few weeks, we would like to share some of our favourite ethical products with you and introduce you to the artisans behind them.

For our first instalment, we are travelling to Asia to discover some amazing ironwork artisans creating beautiful jewellery in Cambodia. Enjoy!

Recycled bomb and bullet jewellery from Cambodia

These products are particularly dear to our hearts. Not only are they beautiful pieces, but these necklaces and earrings are a way for these communities that were devastated by war to reclaim their power and rebuild themselves.

Profile of the artisans:

Home-based ironwork artisans, living in an underprivileged community surrounding Phnom Penh, Cambodia, make this recycled bomb shell and bullet jewellery. Bomb casings are left over from Cambodia's wartime three decades ago. Ironwork artisans skillfully mould bomb shells into beautiful jewellery pieces, introducing a small income to underprivileged communities. While Cambodia has enjoyed years of peace and development since the war and atrocities of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime, today 30% of the population still live below the poverty line (on less than $1.25 per day).

By purchasing these bombshell products, you are helping to create Fair Trade jobs for disadvantaged Cambodians with high levels of unemployment. Artisans are paid fairly and equitably for their skilful work, which keeps families together with food on their table. A liveable and reliable income is especially important for women as it allows them to raise healthy babies and children and provide for their future. The designs use inspiration from Cambodia's rich tapestry, restoring and preserving many traditional Cambodian skills.