The Karen Hill Tribes live in remote areas of northern Thailand, west of Chiang Mai, in what is known as the Golden Triangle. They began migrating to this area in the 18th century and account for more than half of all the Thai hill tribes.  They are a peaceful people, who live in harmony with their environment, and venerate their ancestors. They are also a people who suffer from poverty, disease and lack of opportunity.

The supplier that I buy my silver through is a member of a Fair Trade federation and employs these crafts people directly. They pay the artisans fairly for what they produce. By buying Karen Hill Tribe silver you are not only helping to guarantee that the skills used in working the silver are passed to the next generation, but also the health and long-term well being of the silver workers and their families.

In conjunction with other charities working in northern Thailand, my supplier is beginning an education program which aims to prevent the Karen Hill Tribe people becoming exploited.  They also hope to raise the funds to build local schools so that village children can be educated close to home, rather than have to walk miles each day.

Each piece of jewellery that you buy, may in a small way, help to further these aims.