About Artijaan
FAQs
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Artijaan – a combination of the words ‘artisan’ and ‘jaan’, which in Persian means soul, life, or colloquially, ‘dear’, or ‘love’.
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Artijaan is a social enterprise that bridges the gap between business and development aid to support traditional artisan communities facing socio-economic challenges in the Global South. We connect craftworkers who embody their traditional cultural heritage with conscious buyers around the world looking for soulful objects of beauty to enrich their lives. Through the creation and curation of ethically handcrafted products, we aim to share the unique stories and exceptional skills of our artisan partners.
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Artijaan proudly collaborates with a vibrant community of over forty artisans across Afghanistan, each bringing unique skills, stories, and heritage to their craft. Our artisans work in nine distinct traditional crafts, ranging from weaving and embroidery to ceramics, jewelry making, and more. These crafts are deeply rooted in Afghan culture, passed down through generations, and reflect the rich, diverse heritage of the region.
In addition to our direct artisan collaborations, we’ve helped establish 20 women’s networks, connecting over a thousand women across Afghanistan. These networks create a supportive environment for women craftworkers to learn, grow, and share their skills while achieving economic independence. Artijaan also supports 540 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), empowering local businesses with training, design, provision of raw materials and access to the international market.
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Artisans are paid per piece they create, and they also receive payment for attending training sessions. Artijaan is committed to ensuring that artisans earn a fair, living wage that reflects their skill and effort.
We also provide additional support, including access to raw materials and tools, so artisans can continue to develop their craft sustainably and increase their income over time. -
Our current focus is in Afghanistan, where we collaborate with artisans across seven provinces. Each region brings its unique heritage, enriching our collections with depth and authenticity.
The process begins with local artisans who are experts in their craft, often drawing on generations of knowledge passed down within families. Artijaan works closely with these artisans to ensure that each piece meets high standards of quality while preserving the cultural integrity of Afghan artistry. Our teams provide guidance on international design trends and quality requirements, which helps artisans produce pieces that resonate with global audiences while honoring traditional Afghan aesthetics.
Materials are sourced locally whenever possible. We use upcycled materials from local shops or deadstock from international luxury brands.
Each product undergoes careful finishing touches to ensure durability and beauty. From hand-loomed textiles and embroidered pieces to ceramics and jewelry, every item is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, infusing Artijaan products with both heritage and artistry.
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Yes, women are allowed to work in some sectors like the private sector in Afghanistan, though restrictions vary, especially in certain regions, and opportunities can be limited.
Women in Afghanistan face numerous restrictions and live under what has been described as gender apartheid—Afghanistan being the only country in the world with such conditions. However, in some sectors, including parts of the private sector, women are permitted to work. That said, restrictions vary widely by region, and opportunities are often limited.
Women are at the heart of Artijaan’s mission to preserve and promote Afghan craftsmanship. We work with more than a thousand skilled women artisans across Afghanistan, organized into 20 local networks and through 540 enterprises that we support. These networks foster collaboration, skill-sharing, and mutual support, offering women a platform to create and earn income while also providing access to resources, training, and business opportunities.Find out more about our women’s network by reading this chronicle.
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Women are at the heart of Artijaan’s mission to preserve and promote Afghan craftsmanship. We work with over a thousand skilled women artisans across Afghanistan, organised into 20 local networks that foster collaboration, skill-sharing, and mutual support. These networks give women a platform to create and earn income, while also providing them with access to resources, training, and business opportunities.
From embroidery and weaving to pottery and jewelry making, Afghan women artisans bring their expertise and cultural heritage to each piece. By collaborating with Artijaan, these artisans can reach a global market, which not only helps preserve their traditional crafts but also empowers them economically and socially. Many of these women are the main providers for their families, and their work with Artijaan allows them to gain independence and contribute to their communities.
Our products
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Yes, all Artijaan products are handmade by skilled artisans using traditional techniques. This commitment to craftsmanship ensures that each piece is unique and made with care, reflecting the cultural heritage of its origin.
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Artijaan products are crafted from high-quality raw materials, including locally sourced semi-precious stones, brass, silver (often recycled), gold, and upcycled, ethically sourced textiles. These materials reflect the resources available to local artisans, with Artijaan placing a strong emphasis on sustainability in material selection.
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To care for your Artijaan jewelry, avoid exposing it to water, perfumes, or harsh chemicals. Store it in a dry, cool place, ideally in a jewelry box or pouch. Regularly clean your pieces with a soft cloth to maintain their shine and avoid tarnishing.
Ordering & Shipping
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You can place an order directly through Artijaan’s website by browsing the product collections, adding items to your cart, and following the checkout process. For larger or custom orders, contact the Artijaan team via email contact@artijaan.com.
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Yes, Artijaan ships internationally to various countries. Shipping costs and delivery times may vary depending on your location.
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Shipping costs are calculated based on the destination and weight of your order. You can find the shipping cost at checkout, or you can contact Artijaan for a detailed estimate.
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Delivery times vary based on your location. Once your order is shipped, you will receive a tracking number. Expect delivery within 7-14 business days for international orders, 5-10 business days for orders within Europe, though some delays may occur due to customs.
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Yes, once your order is shipped, you will receive a tracking number via email. You can use this number to track your package’s progress online.
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For orders within the European Union, taxes are automatically calculated and applied at checkout. This includes VAT, which aligns with the rate of the customer’s EU country. For countries outside the EU, VAT and duties are not included at checkout. However, upon arrival in your country, you may be required to pay additional fees, such as import VAT or customs duties. These are typically assessed by customs based on your local regulations and the total value of the order.
Payment
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Artijaan accepts various payment methods including major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) and online payment platforms such as PayPal and Apple Pay. You can also inquire about other options for bulk orders.
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Yes, Artijaan accommodates large orders. If you're looking to purchase in large quantities, simply contact our team contact@artijaan.com, and we will provide you with a tailored quote and timeline for delivery.
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Yes, Artijaan offers discounts for large orders. For example, we provide a percentage discount on orders of more than 10 similar items. Please contact us at contact@artijaan.com for specific details.
Returns & Exchanges
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Artijaan accepts returns within 14 days of delivery only if the item is damaged, or if you received the wrong product.
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To return an item, please contact our customer service team at contact@artijaan.com for instructions. The item must be sent back in its original packaging, and in all cases, Artijaan will cover the shipping costs for returns.
Customisation & Special Orders
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Yes, Artijaan offers the option for custom orders. If you have a specific design in mind or would like a personalised version of an existing product, contact the team to discuss your requirements at contact@artijaan.com
Others
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Artijaan’s products are primarily available online, but the brand occasionally participates in retail events and pop-up shops. Check the website, our instagram @artijaan.co or contact the team to see if there are any upcoming events near you.
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If you are interested in stocking Artijaan products in your store, contact the team via email at contact@artijaan.com. Provide details about your store, location, and the types of products you're interested in carrying, and we will follow up with wholesale catalog, terms and pricing.
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You can contact Artijaan’s customer support team via email at contact@artijaan.com or through the contact form on the website. We typically respond within 1-2 business days.