“Chile is losing its artisan culture,” says Alvador, a 58-year-old copper craftsman who makes beautiful jewellery stamped with traditional designs. Thanks to the gap between Chile’s rich and poor – one of the widest in the world – Alvador is one of a dying number of Chilean artists who can still make money from their handiwork.

Fair trade is more than just an idea for Alvador. It’s literally the only reason he can afford to make his jewellery passion a business. He works with Pueblos del Sur, a fair trade cooperative that helps Chilean craftspeople find international customers for their work, where they will get a fair price, be paid on time, and network with other artists to share ideas.

Our marketplace, Global Handicrafts, sells clay ocarinas and pendants from Pueblo del Sur artists, along with their exquisite glass jewellery .