beautiful rings

The Mayan feathered serpent god, Kukulkan, is rendered in sterling silver in this eye-catching cocktail ring. Handcrafted by Mexican artisan Rosa Rojo, the ring features the plumes of the feathered serpent spread high above the great deity's head and neck in beautiful, detailed openwork. The ring also features a double band of sterling silver.

"The inspiration for this square cushion cover comes from the beautiful sight made by the sun when it rises and falls over the mountains. It's as if they fuse together," artisans from Women United for Artisan Development explain. The Guatemalan artisans weave the cotton cushion cover in a spicy cinnamon hue featuring chili red suns and escorted by chocolate brown birds. The artisans border the square cover with cording and include a zipper closure on the back.

By Elias Garcia, this handcrafted cross is a reminder of the importance of faith. The artisan covers the open figure with handwoven fabric. Diminutive worry dolls in handwoven apparel stand shoulder to shoulder to surround the cutout cross. According to Maya legend, the sun god gave princess Ixmucane the gift of solving people's problems. With time people started making dolls in Ixmucane's honor and they would tell her their woes, hoping she would solve them through the dolls. Many people whisper to the dolls, then place them under their pillows at night, hoping that the doll will provide a solution as they sleep.

Precise geometric motifs surround two red deer in an exquisite design. From talented members of Women United for Artisan Development, this cushion cover is woven by hand on a backstrap loom. Cording defines the borders, and the back is solid black.

Should one of the threads snag, the artisans suggest you pull it back into place from the back of the fabric with a fine crochet hook.