Andes Luxe is the premier online destination for purchasing one of the kind, luxurious garments, accessories, jewelry, cosmetics, and home decor, all handcrafted in the Andean Region of South America (Perú, Chile, and Argentina). We represent the best brands in the market, and continuously introduce outstanding new craftsmen that produce incredible items that unite design, craftsmanship, and noble, luxe materials.
Andes Luxe was created with the authentic connoisseur in mind: That individual that yields away from synthetic fibers and mass-produced objects. The Andean Luxe customer looks for originality, versatility, quality, and value.
Our ever-expanding collection is full of heirloom items that you will proudly wear a lifetime, and pass along with pride: they carry all the energy, life, and soul of an incredible region of our beautiful planet.
Why should we prefer handmade objects?
In theory, we all know that there are great benefits to buying handmade. Whether we’re buying from local artisans and crafters, or supporting a handmade artist. Have you ever really thought about exactly what the advantage is of buying handmade, and who gets what out of the transaction?
There are of course the benefits for you as the purchaser, and to the maker as the business owner. But there are more far-reaching benefits in buying, using, and making handmade products.
1. HANDMADE IS GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Handmade products are great for the environment. Most handmade products do not require a factory or large production facility. Instead, nearly all are made in small craft studios and workshops, the transformed shed at the bottom of the garden, or people’s own homes.
2. EACH HANDMADE PRODUCT IS UNIQUE
Unlike gifts that are mass-produced, you will often find unique differences in each handmade item, which really makes the product and the purchase very special. Nobody in the whole world will have exactly the same item, and that’s pretty unique!
A lot of the handmade gifts you can find with Made By Rachel are made to order and can also be customized and personalized to your specification.
3. HANDMADE WITHSTANDS TIME
Remember those days, when you bought something and it lasted for a very long time? Most handmade items are made to last. They are made from a material that will withstand time and the changes are that you are going to keep them for a long time.
4. HANDMADE IS QUIRKY AND IS ON TREND
Independent designer-makers and crafters are often on trend much quicker than large businesses and commercially produced gifts. As a small business, I can afford to experiment and make one-off item to see whether they will gain interest, spot a trend, and design a collection quickly that fits the trend perfectly. To introduce a new product within a large commercial organization can take easily 12 months, the small independent designer will be a lot more flexible than that.
5. THERE IS A STORY BEHIND EACH PRODUCT
Each handmade product has its own story, each handmade shop and the person who created it puts a lot of time and effort into making something that’s unique, beautiful, and made just for you. There is a reason behind every choice throughout the stages of your product creation – why the gems selected for your silver bracelet have a beautiful peacock green color, or why the color of your beads is a particular shade of purple.
6. BUYING HANDMADE KEEPS THE CRAFT SKILLS AND TRADITION GOING
This might be a bit altruistic reason, but by supporting your local artisan you are also supporting the craft skill they practice. By supporting the traditional crafts, such as silversmithing, clay artist, glass artists, weavers, or many others, we are helping them to pass the skills to the next generation and keep the art and craft alive.
7. WHEN YOU BUY HANDMADE IT SHOWS THAT YOU CARE
If you buy your friend a commercially produced necklace, the chances are that somebody else will have it too. It might be pretty and it might even be expensive, but it’s not necessarily unique.
By buying handmade and personalized jewelry, you show your friend that you’ve taken the time to research what she likes and that you’ll treat her to something that nobody else will have.
8. HANDMADE IS MADE BY REAL PEOPLE
When you buy a handmade gift you know that the maker is passionate about their craft so each gift is made with love. With handmade products, there’s always a lot of love, care & attention to detail to create something unique and to be treasured.
So next time you need a gift, a new item for your home, or simply want to treat yourself to a piece of jewelry, consider handmade.
You’ll get a better quality and unique product. You’re supporting a handmade business owner’s life and craft. Plus, you’re keeping otherwise lost skills alive, and making a greener purchase.
Our Mission
Join Andes Luxe on our quest to find the Andes’ most talented artisans! Together we will spread culture, tradition, skills: Discover what happens when we cut out the middlemen and bring artisans and customers together.
Testimonials
Authentic KUNA Alpaca
I purchased a gorgeous Nazca KUNA ruana from Andes Luxe, at a fraction of what was sold in New York City.
I took a chance, thinking that maybe it was not the real McCoy (how could it be so much cheaper than in New York?) and along it came: the real Kuna, with all the certificates, even the Kuna packaging! Thank you, Andes Luxe!
I love my Ilaria Tralee Necklace!
I have always been a fan of high-end sterling silver jewelry…I dislike hippy-crafted items or badly finished pieces that justify their poor terminations with the label of “handmade”. Unfortunately, the type of sterling silver pieces I crave are sooo expensive…sometimes, over $1000!
My Tralee necklace is a treasure: affordable, gorgeous, impeccable! I receive so many compliments every time I wear it. I wholeheartedly recommend the Ilaria brand. You will not be disappointed.
