Pearl Akoya Jewelry

"My mother says that, when I was a girl and we lived on the ranch, I'd go out with a bag to collect stones, singing, 'gathering little rocks, gathering little rocks' until I'd return with a bag full of pretty pebbles.

"Now that I'm older, I continue collecting them from around the world and save them like a wonderful treasure. I've even thought that life is like my bag of stones — situations all come in different sizes with their own shapes, colors and textures. Some are prettier than others but, together, they are a part of our existence.

"Like everyone, I've had good times and others that have left their mark on me. One was saying no to an upcoming marriage, having the strength to stop everything that the decision implies. This helped me to connect with my roots and regain my strength, to grow and to flourish.

"I began selling gold jewelry when I was in high school and I enjoyed it, not so much for the money, but because it was jewelry. I love silver and gemstones and seeing them makes my heart beat faster. I love their delicacy and everything that a gem embodies — its color, brightness, textures, reflections, imperfections or purity. They comprise a fascinating world with their own language.

"For my university year of social service, I discovered a company where I learned many interesting things that I could apply to own jewelry, like electroplating metals in gold and in rhodium. Later, one of my university projects opened up doors for me to work on designing metal clasps and buckles for shoes and handbags.

"I also took some basic courses in jewelry and silver crafting, and I discovered that inspiration is the key to designing. I'm inspired by what I see every day, like life's little details, which I'm more sensitive to thanks to the meditation I practice daily.

"When I think about how to describe myself, I try to be as honest as possible and can do so in three words — secure, sensitive and responsible. I try to do things as well as I can and pay attention to the smallest details. I strive to be conscious about my actions and I care about how my crafts affect the planet.

"Working on my own has been a both challenge and a great adventure filled sadness and joy, errors and success. I think the most important thing is to take a risk when doing things. In the end, things settle, life goes on and these experiences help you create it.

"My parents are my biggest supporters. My mother is my official cheerleader and encourages me to do what I believe in. My father has helped make all the furniture I needed, and also to set up exhibits. I'm very grateful to them because they've been my loyal partners.

"Designing is a world where I learn and create. To continue creating, you have to trust what you're doing, overcome your fear and challenge yourself to grow. It's also necessary to be constant and patient... very patient because everything has a process and sometimes it's slow.

"I work mainly with silver and, on request, with gold and with rubedo, a gold alloy. Metals can be reused and, like gems, they never lose their value and beauty. I prepare some of my own materials, especially forged or bulky materials. The piteado process, which consists of embroidering by hand on leather, is done by people in a prison workshop where they sign up to learn a useful skill so they can reenter society once they're free.

"I hope to have my own shop one day where I can show my jewelry collections to the world."