JEWELRY on the streets

One item a shopper can find quite cheaply and plentiful on the streets of Panajachel is jewelry-- necklaces, earrings, bracelets made of real stones, not plastic. It's hand made and sold from stands on the streets, or by people carrying it around, eager to show you their wares.

I bought these two necklaces for what would be about $2 each in the States. I don't know what kind of stones they are, but they're real, and that's the main thing. When I think of how much it costs for plastic costume jewelry in department stores at the malls back home, it's kind of ridiculous.

Wearing the green stone necklace

Needless to say, when I'm shopping for gifts to take back to family, I go for the jewelry. You can't find this kind of quality and beauty for the price. If you visit and like to shop, don't miss the jewelry available everywhere, and you'll be helping out the local economy and artisans as well.