Maria Baker
Founder of Manga Beads
As a former zoo director of an accredited American Zoo and Aquarium Association facility, Maria Baker has been aware of the great need for conservation efforts throughout the world. Since her retirement in 1999 from the Sacramento Zoo, Maria continues to promote this ceaseless cause through her second career as a jewelry designer.
Maria’s jewelry lines incorporate the earth’s gifts – gemstones, pearls, beads, silk and precious metals – in pieces honoring the ethnic creations of the people of Africa, Asia and the Americas. She sells her jewelry primarily through the gift shops of the nation’s accredited zoos and aquariums, and donates a minimum 10 percent of her profits to the conservation projects of these institutions.
A recent visit to Kenya gave Maria a full appreciation of these incredible women, their needs, their strength and strong desire to be role models to their children and their community. Maria was able to spend some time with a couple of the women showing them new jewelry techniques as well as learning much from them.
Maria calls her line “MangaBeads” after the mangabey, a family of Old World primates comprising several species, many of which are endangered. Inspired by these resilient animals, MangaBeads are delicately crafted expressions of Maria’s desire to play an ongoing role in worldwide conservation efforts. Each piece is handmade, utilizing many unique components, including some antiques. Materials of an endangered status are never used such as ivory, coral, or endangered woods or shells.
Maria Baker is proud to present her unique jewelry creations – supporting conservation one bead at a time. If you wish to see selections of her work, or learn more about MangaBeads, including how to order, select a link!
Please return to this site often, as Maria’s line grows with each inspiration she finds in nature.