Community / Jeweller raises thousands for anti-slavery charity
LOCAL jewellery maker Karlin Anderson has donated more than £4,000 from the proceeds of her Freedom Collection to anti-slavery charity International Justice Mission (IJM).
And thanks to a campaign by Big Give, a charity that matches public donations with larger philanthropic gifts, Anderson’s contribution towards the work of IJM will be doubled to £8,356.
This is in addition to £3,194 already raised for other anti-human trafficking charities since she launched the collection in 2021.
Anderson, who used to work in London but now has a workshop and studio on Hoswick, said the Freedom Collection was deeply personal to her.
“It began in 2008 when I started crafting rings to send to women rescued from human trafficking – symbols of their worth and resilience,” she recalled.
“Over time, the collection has grown to include necklaces, bangles, and earrings, each designed to remind the wearer of their intrinsic value and freedom.
“At the heart of the collection is my commitment to donate 10 per cent of the price of each piece to charity.
“I support IJM because their ethos aligns with mine. At their core, they are a Christian charity living out faith in action, seamlessly intertwining belief and compassion to bring light into the darkest situations. Their commitment deeply resonates with me.”
Across the world millions of children, women and men are being enslaved, exploited and held vulnerable through poverty.
Anderson added IJM was not just rescuing victims – it also works with police and governments to strengthen justice systems, hold perpetrators accountable, and walk with survivors through rehabilitation, helping them rebuild their lives with dignity.
“Traffickers are shrewd, organised, and ruthless, but IJM meets them with expertise, courage, and an unrelenting commitment to protecting those at risk,” she said.
“Supporting their work through my Freedom Collection is an honour, knowing that each piece we hand craft in Shetland helps bring freedom and hope around the world.”
Accepting a cheque for £4,178, local IJM representative Rachel Strawbridge described the donation as “amazing”.
“Karlin’s story of using the skills she has at hand to contribute to global justice is so inspiring, and my hope is that more folk living in or visiting Shetland will continue to hear about the work of IJM,” she said.
“On behalf of IJM, we want to say thank you.”
The Freedom Collection is said to be rich in symbolism, drawing inspiration from biblical themes of restoration, resilience and hope.
The 12 gemstones in some designs are a tribute to the 12 biblical tribes, who rebuilt their lives after escaping slavery,
Anderson explained. “I also ensure the materials used in the Freedom Collection are ethically and sustainably sourced, working with trusted suppliers to honour both the people and the planet involved in creating these meaningful pieces,” she said.
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