südsinn - fair trade silver jewellery

südsinn is not just a name for us, but a concept.

südsinn would be translated into English as follows: "süd" means south, "sinn" means sense. For us it makes sense to work in and with the South in order to create beautiful products and simultaneously improve our economic and social relationships to built a future where we are all equal in our right to live a life in dignity, prosperity and in an healthy environment.

 südsinn is an approved fair trade supplier.

 We sell our products in wholesale nationwide as well as in Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, England and Ireland. We supply more than 400 world shops, boutiques as well as all significant German fair trade regional centres with our jewellery.

 südsinn is approved as  a fair trade supplier by the Weltladen Dachverband Deutschland (World Shop Umbrella Association Germany ) and the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Weltläden Österreich (Association of World Shops Austria). südsinn specialises in distinctive sterling silver jewellery based on German-Thai designs.

Our silver jewellery

The vast majority of our silver components are made of fine silver, i.e. pure, unalloyed silver (approx. 99.9% silver). A few pieces of jewellery require somewhat harder silver. For this purpose our smiths alloy the silver elements to at least 925 silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper - also called sterling silver). In most cases, however, the silver content is higher (see silver test). Our silver is pure and natural, not treated, not galvanised or suchlike. südsinn jewellery is definitely nickel-free. We combine our silver pieces with many gemstones and coconut components. The silver elements are handcrafted by traditional Karen silversmiths inexquisite craftsmanship and threaded by Karen women. Our jewellery is extremely tear-resistant. It is wound on seven-pole steel wire of superior quality. At südsinn the processing of all raw materials to the final product is completely fair.

 How do we define fair trade?

 Fair trade is a philosophy developed by committed people in the wealthy industrialised countries. It aims to improve the living conditions of poor people in countries and regions where social systems such as unemployment-, pension- and health- insurance do not exist and where under-wage, exploitation and child labour are commonplace. To bring this approach to life, it is not sufficient to pay a few cents more for the products of impoverished producers. In addition to the implementation of fair wages and health insurance, the prohibition of child labour, a great deal of educational and persuasive support must be provided locally, and constant contact and communication are necessary. Fair trade cannot reform or replace social systems in isolated regions. Nevertheless, fair trade can improve the living conditions of many people and promote  awareness of dignity, justice and mutual respect. Fair trade is a continuous journey: there are successes as well as setbacks, disappointments and much joy. Many times compromises have to be made: by no means all materials can be obtained from fair extraction. But we must always strive to do everything that is feasible. Fair trade must be

 both discussed and further developed. In this context, fair trade must also be economical and professional. Only products that can compete on the market can guarantee sustainable, dignified work and a decent income for all those involved. High product quality and excellent service are therefore also essential.

Norbert Tomforde, südsinn