Discover Ammo: A Jewel of Empowerment in Cambodia
Located in the popular ‘second city’ of Cambodia, Siem Reap, Ammo is not just a jewelry enterprise; it’s a beacon of hope and empowerment. Since its inception in 2013, this social enterprise has been at the forefront of promoting and nurturing the creative talents of Cambodian women and men, helping them achieve dreams of independence and self-sufficiency.
A Story of Female Empowerment and Vision for the Future
Ammo, short for ammunition, specializes in recycling brass bullets into exquisite jewelry, symbolizing a transformation from negative metal into positive change. The enterprise offers a paid apprenticeship program for young or disadvantaged Cambodians, providing training in jewelry production and design, alongside essential life skills such as health and money management. Graduates have the opportunity to become master jewelers, specializing in silver and gemstone collections, with support to start their own businesses.
Learn with a Local
Visitors to Ammo can also participate in the ‘learn with a local’ initiative, crafting their own brass or silver jewelry under the guidance of skilled artisans.
Empowering through the Pandemic
During the pandemic, Ammo embarked on a project to empower its manager, Chantrea, to become an independent designer. In 2021, Chantrea received a $3000 grant from the NOMI Network to start her own jewelry business, Chan Alanka. In Khmer, ‘Chan’ means Moon and ‘Alanka’ means jewelry. Over the past three years, Chan Alanka has flourished, providing female empowerment and employment for local Khmers. Chantrea’s luxury collections in gold-plated brass, silver, and pearls are all handmade in Siem Reap by a team of experts she manages. Her mission has extended to supporting eight more local Cambodian businesses.
Supporting Local Talent
One of the businesses supported is In My Name Silver, founded by British designer Claire Barker. This brand offers personalized Silver Khmer script jewelry, meticulously crafted by master jewelers within Ammo’s shared workshop. Visitors can design their unique pieces, which are then translated into Khmer, creating one-of-a-kind mementos of their time in Cambodia.
What Does Ammo Offer in 2024?
At Ammo’s workshop, three female-led jewelry businesses work in partnership, all managed by Chantrea since 2020. Here’s what you can experience:
Jewelry Making Classes
Tourists and locals can book lessons at Ammo’s ethical Siem Reap workshop. Under the guidance of local artisans, they use traditional tools and techniques to create their own pendants, earrings, or rings.
- 1.5 hours (Recycled Brass Bullets): $20.00 for adults / $12 for children
- 2.5 hours (Extended Workshop including Silver): $65 for adults only
Visitors can observe firsthand the craftsmanship behind Ammo’s collections and purchase pieces from a well-stocked boutique featuring eight local brands.
Find more thing’s to do in Cambodia
Ammo’s products are available in over 10 retail outlets across Cambodia and are exported to Europe and beyond. Customers can order custom items in brass, silver, or gemstones from professional teams.
Chan Alanka’s Vision and Mission by Chantrea
“My vision for the future is to secure a permanent base for my team at Chan Alanka, become a tax-registered business owner, and increase both turnover and employment opportunities within my community. At this exciting stage, I have secured the opportunity to become the Sole Proprietor of Ammo Social Enterprise and take over the business from founder Madeline Green in September this year. I have also negotiated a new five-year lease for the jewelry workshop in Siem Reap and aim to find investment for new technologies and equipment to increase capacity and profits over the next five years.”
Ammo is more than just a place to buy beautiful jewelry; it’s a movement towards a brighter, more empowered future for Cambodia. Whether you’re visiting Siem Reap or looking to support sustainable and ethical businesses, Ammo offers a unique and impactful experience.
 | Cambodia |
 | ammojewellery.com |
 | +855 92 298 560 |
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Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
