About DIAMANTI DESIGNS

For nearly 30 years I owned three retail stores in the Washington DC area, so I know what’s important to you. Our jewelry, accessories, and textile crafts have proven track records in my stores, and major museum stores. I work with artists in Guatemala to bring you quality beaded jewelry, keychains & more, as well scarves, pouches, purses and home goods at great prices. I don’t advertise, have a showroom, or do any shows, so you benefit from my low overhead. We ship quickly, carefully, and are rarely out of stock. How did I get here? I grew up living in Africa and traveled widely in the Americas and Asia. I’ve seen first-hand how hard it is for indigenous artists in developing countries to get ahead without access to markets, so I’ve made it my mission to help change that. While still working at National Geographic, I started a wholesale bead-making business in Peru in the 1980s, which evolved into my Beadazzled stores. In 2012, I retired from the stores and while on a yoga retreat to Guatemala I fell in love with the Maya people and their culture. I couldn’t resist the urge to get back to work connecting these talented and hardworking women with new markets. I enjoy working with fair trade shops that share my values, and with museum stores where customers also have the opportunity to learn about Maya culture through exhibits. With Faire I hope to inspire more stores to try these attractive and affordable products and discover the many benefits of "doing well by doing good."Read their story