Tezoro Atelier

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS

• The Netherlands
• Colombia

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES

Tezoro Atelier is a small, artisan-focused business based in the Netherlands. The brand values close personal relationships with its producers and places strong emphasis on social responsibility and cultural storytelling.

The jewellery is primarily crafted in Colombia, in collaboration with indigenous artisans from the Putumayo and Nariño regions. Production in Colombia ensures a high level of cultural authenticity and social impact. Around 60% of the total jewellery output is made in Colombia, especially pieces created from pure silver or gold. 
The remaining 40% is produced in the Netherlands, where the designer lives and works. There, she finalises gold-plated, silver-plated or stainless steel pieces – often used as allergy-friendly alternatives – using high-quality materials sourced from trusted Dutch suppliers. Paola also creates the designs, prototypes, and final finishes herself.

In the Netherlands, Tezoro Atelier collaborates with museums and social organisations, offering workshops that encourage social and cultural exchange. All pieces are handmade, and the brand works with a small group of carefully selected artisans.

Tezoro Atelier does not own production facilities but instead relies on home-based workshops and the self-responsibility of the artisans. Paola maintains regular contact with producers through on-site visits to help ensure fairer and safer working conditions.

The brand celebrates cultural diversity and is open to partnerships with different communities. By working with indigenous artisans, women, and marginalised groups, Tezoro Atelier promotes an inclusive approach to craft and design.

MATERIALS

• Perciosa glass beads 
• Miyuki beads 
• Silver
• Gold-plated silver 
• Stainless Steel
• Linhasita Woven polyester rope from Brazil 
• Nylon

The label uses Perciosa glass beads from the Czech Republic and Japan, as well as durable, handcrafted polyester threads from Colombia. These are complemented by the use of silver, gold-plated silver, and stainless steel. Materials that contribute to the longevity and timeless aesthetic of the jewellery pieces.

PACKAGING

• Tezoro Atelier uses FSC-certified paper packaging from Europe for shipping the end products. Jute bags are also occasionally used.

WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS

The brand works predominantly with handcrafted beads and gold-plated silver.

Chemical substances are used both in glass production and in further processing and surface finishing. The process involves chemical reactions, particularly during melting and moulding, as well as the use of chemical additives in the form of colour pigments, gloss coatings or carbon.

The micromacramé yarns consist of synthetic fibres and can therefore potentially release microplastics. 

The delicate pieces of jewellery are made entirely by hand and follow a traditional process. The silver used is sourced exclusively from suppliers in Colombia. The gold required for the final refinement also comes from this source. The gold is traded legally and is under state control. Once the jewellery has been produced, it is sent to Bogotá, where a specialist goldsmith carries out the surface finishing. The silver is coated with three fine layers of gold in an electrochemical process.

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN

Tezoro Atelier uses material mixtures of Perciosa glass beads, Miyuki beads, gold-plated silver and micromacramé. Although the products are not made of mono-materials, the individual components – such as beads and threads – can be separated relatively easily. This makes it easier to recycle or reuse the materials. 

Tezoro Atelier does not offer a take-back service for used jewellery or materials. 

The brand relies heavily on craftsmanship and high-quality workmanship, making the products durable and potentially repairable.

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODEL

Tezoro Atelier does not offer an explicit repair service for its jewellery. Tezoro Atelier also does not have a take-back programme for used or worn jewellery. 

Tezoro Atelier does not pursue any other circular business models such as rental or resale. 

However, the products are made to a high standard and elaborately handcrafted, which gives them a long life.

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN

• The Netherlands
• Colombia (production of jewellery by indigenous artisans from Putumayo and Nariño)
• Czech Republic (production of glass beads)
• Japan (production of Yuki beads)
• Tezoro Atelier is based in the Netherlands.

TRANSPORTATION

• Tezoro Atelier sources materials such as Perciosa glass beads from the Czech Republic, Miyuki beads from Japan and paper packaging from Europe. The finished products are transported by air freight from Colombia to the Netherlands. 
• Tezoro Atelier ships via DHL or PostNL.

Tezoro Atelier does not use any animal materials.

PRODUCT DESIGN

Tezoro Atelier creates jewellery including bracelets, necklaces, and pendants, with a particular focus on bold statement necklaces and earrings that feature ethnic and Colombian symbols. The brand frequently incorporates images of hummingbirds and roots into its designs.

The products are available either custom-made or in small series. Each collection blends Colombian heritage with modern versatility, and the brand places strong emphasis on tailor-made pieces that can be adapted to individual preferences.

A key aim of the brand is to preserve and share traditional techniques and the stories behind each piece. For this reason, the founder organises her own exhibitions and offers specially developed workshops called ​“Creative Circles.” These sessions create space for learning, creativity, and cultural exchange through hands-on craft. In addition, DIY kits are sold at exhibitions, enabling participants to make their own jewellery at home.

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES

Tezoro Atelier does not work with fixed collections each year, but develops new designs as required and in close coordination with the individual ideas of its customers. This results in custom-made pieces of jewellery that are specifically tailored to the customer’s wishes. In addition, limited-edition drop collections are produced, which often focus on a specific theme or occasion.

There is no standardised, continuous range. Instead, the focus is on unique, individual pieces. The brand emphasises quality and longevity, which means that the products are not intended for quick consumption but for long-term appreciation.

TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT

Tezoro Atelier does not have an online webshop, which is why classic product pages are not available. The traceability of the products is therefore limited, but customers can obtain information on materials, production details and the origin of the jewellery through personal contact with Paola.

TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESS

Tezoro Atelier provides basic information about the collaboration with indigenous artisans and the materials used. 

This information does not refer to specific products or processes. Tezoro Atelier does not offer product-specific traceability – information is only available at a higher level. The brand favours transparency through personal communication.