About UsWhat is T.Skies Co-Op?
Our MissionPreserve the Quality & Authenticity of Handmade Jewelry.
The T.Skies Co-Op was founded by the artists of Turquoise Skies Gallery, an established jewelry store in Albuquerque, NM that proudly displays the rich culture of the American Southwest. The artists recognized the many problems in the industry. Local jewelry artists were being abused and misrepresented. The non-profit Co-Op grew out of the desire to help these artists have fair opportunities and be properly represented.
Today, our mission has expanded beyond supporting existing artists to help train and give experience to aspiring artists. Through our K.I.T.A program and internship programs, we sponsor aspiring jewelers from underrepresented populations to learn the skills of jewelry smithing, encourage their unique artistic expression, and help keep our artistic culture alive.
The ProblemThe Pitfalls of Outsourcing Cultural Jewelry.
- Loss of Craftsmanship and Artistry: Jewelry making is often a craft deeply rooted in cultural heritage and tradition. Outsourcing production to regions with lower labor costs may lead to a loss of skilled artisans and traditional craftsmanship. This can dilute the unique cultural identity and artistic essence that authentic jewelry pieces embody. Moreover, the pressure to mass-produce items quickly may result in the commodification of jewelry, stripping away its artistic value and significance.
- Cultural Misappropriation: Outsourcing jewelry manufacturing to countries with different cultural backgrounds may inadvertently perpetuate cultural misappropriation. This occurs when designs or techniques are borrowed without proper acknowledgment or respect for their cultural significance. Companies may exploit cultural motifs or symbols for profit without understanding their historical or spiritual meanings, leading to cultural insensitivity and backlash. Additionally, outsourcing can marginalize local artisans and communities who have historically practiced jewelry making, further exacerbating issues of cultural exploitation and inequality.
- Quality Control Concerns: When jewelry manufacturing is outsourced to distant locations, it becomes challenging for companies to maintain stringent quality control standards. This can result in inconsistencies in the finished products, including issues with gemstone settings, metal purity, and overall craftsmanship. Without direct oversight, manufacturers may prioritize cost-cutting measures over quality, leading to subpar products that damage the reputation of the brand.
Providing Workspace to Local Artists
T.Skies Co-Op offers workspace, access to tools, photography services, advisors to help artists start their own business, and collaboration for events and sales. Many of the tools shared by the Co-Op are difficult to purchase, such as a 3D printer, offering a real advantage to the artists. There is also access to various marketing platforms and social media available to members.
Promoting Quality and Authenticity
We are committed to fighting misrepresentation in the marketplace with both the authenticity of gemstones and Native-made jewelry.
Over the years, we have noticed an increase in the misrepresentation of precious stones in the marketplace. Unethical vendors sell fake and imitation stones as natural quality. Similarly, non-Native made jewelry has been advertised and sold as authentic Native American made.
We created resources such as gemstone guides, artist profiles, and educational blog posts for consumers to educate themselves on buying authentic handmade jewelry.
Training the Next Generation
Through our K.I.T.A program and internship programs, we sponsor aspiring jewelers from underrepresented populations to learn the skills of jewelry smithing, encourage their unique artistic expression, and help keep our artistic culture alive. You can learn more about or apply to our programs on our Programs page.
Join Our CauseThree Ways to Take Action
