Introduction

In Quechua, the native language of Andean Peru, Achkiy (pronounced Ash-key) is used to mean light and anything that sparkles and shines 

Since 1995, Achkiy has been working to bring light and hope to some of Peru’s most impoverished communities. From the rubbish tips in the north of Lima to the shanty towns in the south, Achkiy has been training resourceful women to make high quality jewellery for a non-poverty wage.

The project was set up by Ruth Pacheco from Peru and Julia Crellin from the UK who shared a deep concern for the plight of Lima's marginalised women. Together, they organised simple jewellery making workshops to equip the women with marketable skills and a greater sense of self-worth. Through this project they hoped the women might achieve some degree of financial independence and stability that would enable them to fund and support the care and education of their children. 

Fifteen years on, the women are designing and creating amazingly diverse collections of jewellery that fuse traditional techniques with contemporary trends. Taking inspiration from the materials that surround them, they have recently introduced some beautifully designed, eco-friendly collections using felt, recycled plastic bags and vegetable ivory.  

Achkiy is divided into two parts: the trading arm "Achkiy Ltd"  and the charity "Achkiy Training and Development". All profits from the trading arm go directly to the charity to be used for education and training and/or community projects such as felt-making workshops in Cusco.