how did we get here?
Ikorta Studio produces more than just beautiful jewelry; it provides internally displaced Georgians hope. Despite the difficulties and challenges we have faced along the way, Ikorta represents a better future for our community.
Ikorta Studio was born out of uncertainty and loss. When Russian troops invaded Georgia (Sakaratvelo) in 2008, we were forced to flee our homes in Akhalgori and Samachablo. Despite the chaos, injuries, and grief, we miraculously escaped the bullets and found shelter in the IDP settlement of Tserovani.
Our new reality was harsh, and all any of us wanted was a shred of normalcy. Work was scarce, and we knew that without employment we would never be able to begin to rebuild our lives.
In 2012, we founded Ikorta Studio as a way to heal and regain strength, offering Georgian artisan women with new work opportunities and professional development. Relying on faith, innovation, and community, we have grown the studio to new heights, sharing our culture and our history with international audiences.
Today, we are far more sustainable than we could have imagined a few years ago, and we are fighting for development and the next steps of improvement. Ikorta is a beacon of hope and faith for those people who are at the critical stage of their lives and for whom the future is difficult to imagine. We are an example that if you have patience and dedication, then there is no challenge you cannot overcome. People contact us not only to talk about the hardships we faced but they also ask us to share our success.
Our past is our experience. We remember and we try to express our attitudes and feelings with our art. We hope you will find inspiration, pride, and perseverance in our story and our art.
Thank you for visiting our store!
Ikorta Studio 