Lake Atitlan, Panajachel, Guatemala

Saturday, April 11, 2015

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.

17 comments:

  1. Most of my jewellery is bought at markets and the like - so this sounds like just my thing.

    Annalisa, writing A-Z vignettes, at Wake Up, Eat, Write, Sleep

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  2. How could you ever make a choice. I could browse for hours through that.

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  3. How beautiful! I love the green, such a vibrant color. If I ever get there I'd love to go shopping with you!

    Stopping by from Pam's Unconventional Alliance, best of luck with the Challenge!

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  4. These are beautiful and I strongly agree that we need to promote our local craftspeople and keep their economy going!

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  5. Hi Karen .. I'd guess turquoise and perhaps garnet .. but could be amber ... but how amazing that you can get real jewellery there - I'd do what you do and take them as gifts too .. lovely .. cheers HIlary

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  6. Oooh I am in heaven with the earrings:) Would the first necklace be a coral?? Would the 2nd be turquoise?? Obviously just guessing. Love the turquoise necklace-great deals!

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  7. I love shopping for jewelry outside of the US.
    Thanks for this post!
    Amy http://amybovaird.com/i-is-for-itadakimasu/

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  8. Hi Karen,

    I love jewelry, especially real stones in necklaces and bracelets. What fun to get to browse among so much! Enjoy! (I love exclamation points!)

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  9. Beautiful place and handsome jewelry! And those who receive your gifts won't have to worry about running into someone with the same exact thing!
    Visit me at: Life & Faith in Caneyhead
    I am Ensign B of Tremps' Troops
    with the A to Z Challenge

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  10. Oh Boy. What I need is MORE EARS!

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  11. Beautiful, beautiful jewelry! I'm coming down and you're taking me shopping, mmmkay?

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  12. Jewelry from a street vender is so original.

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  13. Wow, what a gorgeous blog header! I love the quotes you have as well.

    Visiting from a to z.

    clearingspace4joy.wordpress.com

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  14. That's about the only way I buy jewelry. I don't wear a lot of it, but when I do, I like it to be unique!

    Rebecca at The Ninja Librarian

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  15. I love unique pieces, and I love real stones. Great pictures! :)

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