Carnelian flower earrings, "Unity Blossoms"

"The art of jewelry was born in me while I was still I school," says Gloria Gamio Álvarez. "With the support of my family, I finished my studies in a vocational high school, learning to create hand crafted jewelry. To better my skills, I've taken courses in different places since 1996. And to reinforce them, I've taught jewelry making and worked in design workshops, which motivated me to come up with original and creative designs. I participated in Peru's 6th Annual National Silver Contest on design.

"Since 1991, I volunteer in the church where I'm a member and teach catechism to prepare children for their first communion. I also offer workshops for people in the community who want to learn something that will help them get ahead. I've taught people from Huampani in Chaclacayo with the help of the nuns who assisted them in selling their products; this made them feel really good. In my experience as a missionary, I traveled to the jungles of Peru to share the art that God gave me with people of the community.

"I currently teach at an academy that specializes in jewelry and also have my own workshop. There I craft my own creations using a combination of techniques.

"I've always thought that working in jewelry crafting isn't work at all – it's fun! I found my greatest passion in jewelry. And this is why, after so many years of creating designs, I still feel that each piece fills me with satisfaction and the joy of knowing that someone else likes what I do."