Namibia, in southern Africa, is better known for its diamonds, but these inexpensive cream-coloured and decorated PVC bracelets are gorgeous, too! 

PVC is one of the most widely used plastics. It is non-toxic and easy to recycle. These bracelets are made from used PVC pipes that have served their purpose of transporting water and would have gone into landfill. So, the reuse of this material contributes to sustaining the environment. 

Namibian craftspeople make the bracelets to generate income for their families and village communities. Each bracelet is cut from the pipe, then hand-carved using geometric patterns inspired by traditional designs and each is unique – a piece of jewelry that will last for years. Local people wear the bracelets, sell them to tourists, and export them around the world, too.