Difficult and unreliable roads faced noted landscape and lifestyle photographer Richard Speedy travelling in northern Mexico’s Sierra Madre. He labored his way, fueled by storied-beauty to the rocky, pine-wooded heights around Copper Canyon to explore and capture the stunning scenery. In the remote village of Norogachi, Chihuahua, he found his own heart captured by the indigenous Tarahumara Indians and Mestizo farming families living there. Richard was drawn to their culture, seemingly little touched by modern life, but quickly realized that without sustainable economic viability the Norogachi way of life was threatened by a desperate and alienating exodus to urban centers. Instead of simply photographing yet another traditional culture’s demise, then turning his back, Richard committed to do something positive.

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—an affectionate moniker he had been given during his Copper Canyon travels. Soon the Julio Pagliani team and their Norogachi partners were making some of the most exquisite, museum-quality jewelery you’ll find anywhere in the world.

The Julio Pagliani story and its extraordinary jewelry graphically demonstrate 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 with Jody’s stunning jewelry designs of crocheted, beaded rope, inspired by local imagery of wildlife, crops, mountains and water. When traveling in Moscow, Jody purchased a beaded rope necklace. That Russian art inspired her designs. The team traveled to Norogachi with the Russian necklace and Jody’s designs. They spent hours with the village elders, deconstructing the Russian necklace and working on ways the centuries-old Norogachi beading traditions could be adapted to Jody’s designs. When a method was discovered and consensus reached, the next step was to train the villagers.

To date, the Julio Pagliani team has provided work to more than 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 (first) 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!’” Joy and talent can create great beauty.

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 21st century business in Norogachi: no mail service, no UPS, no FedEx and the rugged roads into the village are often simply impassible.

Promote social justice and eco-consciousness by owning 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. Buy less, but BUY BETTER! Elegant Roots