What are fair trade beads?

Below are pictures of fair trade beads from Africa – but what are fair trade beads? You should get the answer to this question before making a purchase so that you can appreciate the product more and to avoid getting conned by unscrupulous traders.

Fair trade beads are made in developing countries and they are sold in developed countries such as the United States and counties in Western Europe.

The beads are brought into developed countries as an initiative by western counties that want to promote the livelihood of people in developing counties. Those involved in the trade are making good money because the labor, although not exploitative since that would defeat the purpose of the whole idea, is still relatively cheap.

The beads are made from different materials depending on the region, the most common material being recycled glass. This means the beads have the advantage of conserving the environment on top of the other advantages. The materials used are usually local materials, making fair trade beads from different places different.

Since technology in countries where fair trade beads are made is not as sophisticated as the technology in developed countries, no two of these beads are the same. This is a big plus to many people because it means whatever they buy is unique.

Fair trade beads are made into pendants, into necklaces, into earring, into clothing accessories, into bracelets, and into rings. Those working on fair trade beads usually have orders from developed countries or middle men stating the quantities required and giving other specifications.

Fairness of the trade is supervised by organizations such as TransFair USA and Fair Trade Federation. That answers your question; what are fair trade beads.