Richard Speedy first heard the name Julio Pagliani around a crackling campfire deep in the heart of Mexico's rugged Sierra Madre, where he was photographing the Tarahumara Indians near Norogachi. It was bestowed upon him by fellow wanderers of the Barrancas del Cobre. He fell in love with the people of this remote village, reachable only by sometimes inaccessible dirt roads. These quiet villagers were living largely by the light of oil lamps, cooking with wood stoves and their struggle became Richard's cause – to help them sustain their way of life, without having to leave their homes and families or even their country to find paying work. So it's only natural that the resulting company be given the name bestowed on him that fateful night. Since then Richard along with his wife Mara and partners Jody Olcott and Rob Thacker have employed a growing number of Norogachi villagers to craft Pagliani's intricately designed line of necklaces and bracelets. Finely crocheted in beads, pearls and gemstones, they are now offered in many fine shops and museums in the United States and beyond. Our elegant sterling silver and 14k gold clasps and pendants featuring distinctive motifs inspired by the natural world, are designed and cast by Guadalajara jewelry designer Xio Auxiliadora. With our extended family of Norogachi villagers master crafting Julio Pagliani jewelry, your purchase makes a positive impact on a village in real need.

But equally important, you can take lasting pride in owning a unique, handmade beautiful piece of wearable art.

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