8
A. Cappellieri et al.
In 2006, the Angelo Tovo—a Vicenza company whose production was oriented
to the creation of moulds for the goldsmith factories of the territory—closed up.
Approximately 2500 mother-shapes, the prototypes necessary for the construction
of the moulds were recovered and saved by destruction. The jewellery collection,
recourse to the use of these moulds, is thus a memory for future generations and a
stimulus for new applications of traditional forms in a contemporary way.
Other designers start with the processing of typical traditional materials. Marina
and Susanna Sent belong to a family working for generations in the glass sector in
Murano, the small island where Venetian glass crafting is based. In 1993, thanks
to their know-how and knowledge of production processes, acquired thanks to the
experience in the paternal company specialized in glass decoration, they give life
to their business. The two sisters, complementary in training, one architect and the
other with production-oriented technical studies, propose glass crafted in multiple
expressions. They reinterpret the tradition, design the glass and translate it into light
modules, transparent bubbles, halfway between pieces of jewellery and garments.
2.2 Respecting People
In this overview of jewellery sustainability, an important chapter is represented by
craftsmanship and social inclusion, topics that are often dealt with together. The
artisanal practice, in fact, in itself reflects the fundamental criteria of sustainability, giving value to the time of conception and making of a product, to technical
experimentation, to the search for quality and perfection and to the passion for what
one does. Some productive realities collaborate with local communities, training and
offering opportunities for paid work to vulnerable people who have gone through difficult situations on a personal or social level, allowing their redemption. The ultimate
goal is to generate business and trigger a virtuous mechanism of independence.
About this, SeeMe is a fair trade verified brand that designs and crafts ethical
jewellery. After twenty years of dealing and reporting on women’s conditions in the
Middle East and North Africa, Caterina Occhio decided to take matters in her own
hand creating SeeMe, a training centre and workplace for women otherwise deemed
lost. All the jewellery pieces are handcrafted by women survivors of violence. In fact,
SeeMe employs women, often single mothers, who have suffered violence and were
ostracized from their communities. SeeMe employees learn the craft of jewellery
making according to ancient Tunisian techniques. Therefore, while fostering their
country’s culture and traditions, they secure a workplace for themselves and a future
for their families. By wearing the heart-shaped jewellery pieces, people decide to
join the Heart Movement, a worldwide movement that wants to replace violence
with love. On top of being a safe resort and source of income for women survivors
in Tunisia, SeeMe also positively influences established brands in the fashion world,
supporting an ethical approach to their sourcing procedures.
Or, again, Indego Africa is a non-profit social enterprise supporting women in
Rwanda through education and economic empowerment. Founded in 2007, Indego
A. Cappellieri et al.
In 2006, the Angelo Tovo—a Vicenza company whose production was oriented
to the creation of moulds for the goldsmith factories of the territory—closed up.
Approximately 2500 mother-shapes, the prototypes necessary for the construction
of the moulds were recovered and saved by destruction. The jewellery collection,
recourse to the use of these moulds, is thus a memory for future generations and a
stimulus for new applications of traditional forms in a contemporary way.
Other designers start with the processing of typical traditional materials. Marina
and Susanna Sent belong to a family working for generations in the glass sector in
Murano, the small island where Venetian glass crafting is based. In 1993, thanks
to their know-how and knowledge of production processes, acquired thanks to the
experience in the paternal company specialized in glass decoration, they give life
to their business. The two sisters, complementary in training, one architect and the
other with production-oriented technical studies, propose glass crafted in multiple
expressions. They reinterpret the tradition, design the glass and translate it into light
modules, transparent bubbles, halfway between pieces of jewellery and garments.
2.2 Respecting People
In this overview of jewellery sustainability, an important chapter is represented by
craftsmanship and social inclusion, topics that are often dealt with together. The
artisanal practice, in fact, in itself reflects the fundamental criteria of sustainability, giving value to the time of conception and making of a product, to technical
experimentation, to the search for quality and perfection and to the passion for what
one does. Some productive realities collaborate with local communities, training and
offering opportunities for paid work to vulnerable people who have gone through difficult situations on a personal or social level, allowing their redemption. The ultimate
goal is to generate business and trigger a virtuous mechanism of independence.
About this, SeeMe is a fair trade verified brand that designs and crafts ethical
jewellery. After twenty years of dealing and reporting on women’s conditions in the
Middle East and North Africa, Caterina Occhio decided to take matters in her own
hand creating SeeMe, a training centre and workplace for women otherwise deemed
lost. All the jewellery pieces are handcrafted by women survivors of violence. In fact,
SeeMe employs women, often single mothers, who have suffered violence and were
ostracized from their communities. SeeMe employees learn the craft of jewellery
making according to ancient Tunisian techniques. Therefore, while fostering their
country’s culture and traditions, they secure a workplace for themselves and a future
for their families. By wearing the heart-shaped jewellery pieces, people decide to
join the Heart Movement, a worldwide movement that wants to replace violence
with love. On top of being a safe resort and source of income for women survivors
in Tunisia, SeeMe also positively influences established brands in the fashion world,
supporting an ethical approach to their sourcing procedures.
Or, again, Indego Africa is a non-profit social enterprise supporting women in
Rwanda through education and economic empowerment. Founded in 2007, Indego