The Shakya family has been creating beautiful jewelry throughout Nepal, India and Tibet for generations. Â Now all sons live and work in their ancestral home in the Kathmandu Valley. Â As with previous generations, the father taught his sons traditional jewelry making skills. Â Recognizing that producing jewelry only for retailers provided limited economic opportunities, he also trained one son in business. Â In 1977 the sons opened their own shop. Â At this time, they produced all the jewelry themselves. Â However, as the business grew, they invited other Buddhist Newari families to work with them. Â Fourteen families now have a consistent income as a result of their involvement.
