In northern Mexico's Sierra Madre, Richard Speedy fell in love with the people of the remote village of Norogachi. He soon learned, however, that the villagers had insufficient work to sustain their culture and lifestyle. Richard committed to help. With a talented and dedicated team, Richard formed Julio Pagliani to create dazzling beaded and crocheted jewelry utilizing the traditional skills of the Norogachi artisans.

The Beginning

When Richard Speedy, noted landscape and lifestyle photographer, traveled difficult and unreliable roads to the rocky, pine-wooded heights around Copper Canyon to explore and capture the stunning scenery, he found his own heart captured by the Tarahumara Indians and Mestizo farming families living in and around the remote village of Norogachi, Chihuahua. Richard was drawn to their culture, seemingly little touched by modern life, but quickly realized that without more work the Norogachi way of life was threatened. Instead of turning his back, Richard decided to do something about it.

Back home in New Jersey, Richard partnered with his wife Mara Speedy, Rob Thacker and designer Jody Olcott to find a way to help the Noragachi villagers maintain their culture and way of life. Building on the traditional talents of the Norogachi artisans, Richard and his team formed a jewelry-art group they called Julio Pagliani—a composite name of characters Richard had met in the Sierra Madre. Soon the Julio Pagliani team and their Norogachi partners were making some of the most exquisite, museum-quality jewlery you'll find anywhere in the world.

The Heart

The Julio Pagliani story and its extraordinary jewelry graphically demonstrates the power of a socially responsible enterprise. The team began with a desire to make a positive difference in an economically challenged part of the world, then worked tirelessly to make their vision a reality.

The Julio Pagliani team started their exciting journey with Jody's stunning jewelry designs of crocheted, beaded rope, inspired by local imagery of wildlife, crops, mountains and water. Next the team began training the villagers to adapt the centuries-old Norogachi traditions of bead work and hand craft to Jody's artistic jewelry designs.

To date, the Julio Pagliani team has provided work to 60+ villagers who now have a much more stable economic environment. The impact of the Julio Pagliani partnership so moved Norogachi’s former mayor that she wrote the following: “The day I got the materials, two of the women were walking by my street. I went out to call on them and when I told them there was work, they actually started jumping with joy. Anita, my daughter-in-law said, ‘How big their need must be that they even jumped!’”

The Highlights

A standing ovation to Richard, the Julio Pagliani team and their Norogachi partners! Together this special group has brought "beauty into the world in a way that honors indigenous cultures and pays the artisans fairly for their hard work.” And they have done it against many commercial odds! Just imagine: Norogachi has no mail service, no UPS, no FedEx and the rugged roads into the village are often simply impassible.

We're proud to offer our customers the opportunity to own a genuine piece of Julio Pagliani jewelry-art. The spirit, generosity and joy with which this unparalleled jewelry is designed and handcrafted adds perceptibly to its breathtakingly simple beauty. Your support, too, adds to the spirit. Enjoy!

Gifts with style and relevance from a socially responsible small business . . .