Sari Kantha Bead Necklace | Magenta side and back, purple-charcoal beads

You know when you see something that you really like - and must have it no matter what? Well, that is the way I felt the moment I saw a colorful sari necklace around Preeti’s neck.

So, not only do I have one, but now I have five…different colors, numbers of strands and styles. After the first purchase I was hooked, not only because of the beautiful products, but the unique story behind the business. These necklaces were made by women who get paid what their labor is worth. So, there are winners all the way around! The maker – the seller – the wearer.

I love these sari necklaces because I am wearing art, feel and look terrific and love sharing the story of this delightful company who invests back into the artisans. It’s worth checking out the Premaasi web site to see for yourself. You could become a fan like me!” - Betty M.

These sari necklaces use the sari fabric left after the production of Kantha Sari Scarves, as part of the Zero Waste Policy of the social entrepreneurship from whom I source these necklaces.  

The artisans hail from one family of migrant women and men in South Delhi, who have perfected this process since making the first necklace almost a decade ago.They  select the most striking colors and prints from the mountains of sari remnants in their workshop. 

Every step in the process is intentional: they first select the most striking colours and prints from mountains of sari remnants. These scraps are matched with colourful cotton thread selected, piece-by-piece, for maximum visual appeal, and then sewn into narrow, double-layered tubes. The artisans fill these tubes with wooden prayer beads, hand-stitching each bead into place with the thread. 

The saris themselves are sourced from a local sari seller who sources beautiful vintage sarees from across India in a complex supply chain, providing a source of income for women at each link in the chain.

Material: 100% upcycled silk, very lightweight sheesham wood

Care: Spot Clean