(PRESS RELEASE) Shetland based jeweler Karlin Anderson has launched a collection of contemporary jewelry in partnership with Hope for Justice, a UK based charity that aims to end modern slavery and human trafficking.
10% of the price paid for each piece of Karlin’s “Freedom Collection” will be donated to Hope for Justice to help their work in preventing exploitation, rescuing victims, restoring lives, and reforming society.
Karlin said, “there is so much unrest and inequality in the world which has left people desperate and vulnerable to the false promises of traffickers, and modern slavery takes many forms such as sexual exploitation, forced labour and domestic servitude, which are more common than many people may realise.”
“I believe the freedom and worth of people is absolutely core to society, and to use and abuse people and sell them for monetary gain is abhorrent to me. As I learned more about Modern Slavery, I felt I needed to do something, but didn’t know what, so started making jewelry to send to the victims and that’s how the Freedom Collection started.”
The jewelry Collection comprises rings, necklaces, earrings and bangles, and the design, materials and making techniques of the pieces all have symbolism for Karlin.
“It was important that the materials were ethically sourced and free from exploitation, so I worked with Hope for Justice to certify my supply chain”
“The combination of metals is inspired by a Bible passage where God says, “the silver is mine, and the gold is mine” – a gift to his people as a reminder of his promise to care for them. I believe we are given life and freedom from a higher power and that cannot be taken away by another person.”
“I use the “hammered finish” technique to create an undulating surface on the metal. The piece “suffers blows” which makes it harder, it reflects light differently, yet it doesn’t lose its value – an analogy to the blows we all suffer in life.”
“Many of the pieces have a choice of 12 gems, each with its own symbolism. It is also a biblical reference to the 12 tribes of Isreal as they rebuilt their lives after escaping slavery. A priest, representing the tribes, wore a breastplate emblazoned with 12 gems when before God asking Him to take care of their worries and needs. I believe each of us has a voice that deserves to be heard”
Karlin said, “Ultimately, the Freedom Collection is a declaration of human dignity, and I want the wearer of these pieces to be reminded of their own value. Culturally and socially, jewelry is often used to say something about who we are and these pieces declare that we are precious, free, and have intrinsic value no matter what. And if you give these pieces to a loved one, you are reminding them they are precious and you are contributing to the freedom of others who have been robbed of their sense of worth.”
The Freedom Collection can be viewed and purchased at Karlin’s workshop in Hoswick, Shetland or online at www.karlinanderson.com/freedom.
Most pieces have a range of customisation options and the price range is £79 to £450.