The Leakey Jewelry Collection

I spend many of my workdays at my desk, typing on the computer, staring into the thin screen for glimpses of the world beyond.

And today I write about women whose workdays take place under acacia trees in Kenya, where members of the Maasai community make jewelry out of Zulugrass and Zuluwood for The Leakey Collection.

According to The Leakey Collection, all materials used to make the jewelry are sustainable. The wood comes from fallen dead wood. The harvest of Zulugrass preserves wetlands that would otherwise be burned and drained to support cattle.

The hollow grass used in the Zulugrass jewelry is harvested by hand and then cut by hand into beads. These beeds are then dyed with textile dyes (hopefully using environmentally-friendly dyes) and mixed in with Czech and Japanese glass beads before being strung on elastic bands.

The result - beautiful and long-lasting bracelets, necklaces, earrings and other accessories. Prices are very reasonable with multi-strand necklaces going for $39.95 and bracelets for $29 on The Leakey Collection's retail site.

The Leakey Collection jewelry has a sort of timeless elegance to it. There is a simplicity, for example, in incorporating wood that has been hand tooled and burnished without the use of wax, lacquer or varnish.

The Leakey Collection says that more than 1,200 people are involved in the manufacture of its products, indirectly supporting over 10,000 individuals and helping to spread wealth and promote women's equality among the Maasai.

In our experience, The Leakey Collection's bracelets and necklaces are dressy enough to wear for a night out on the town, but bright and cheerful enough to complement even a day at the beach.

And speaking of the beach, the company says its Zulugrass is water proof and colorfast in both salt water and fresh water. So make a splash!

(PS - One of the founders Philip Leakey is the youngest son of famed paleo-anthropologists Drs. Louis and Mary Leakey.)

Where to buy:

Purchase items from The Leakey Collection online or use the Store Finder to find a retailer near you.