Handcrafted Mini Marble Chess Set in Black and Grey, "Black and Grey Challenge"

Update (July, 2019)

“We have worked with NOVICA for almost 20 years now, which have been marvelous. In those years, we have seen an increase in our sales and in our skills. One of the greatest supports that we have received from this beautiful company is the suggestion to create new designs.

“At the beginning of this project, we only had a few designs, which was reflected in our low sales. They asked us how we could improve and how we would be able to create useful articles such as board games, decorative items, ornaments, and daily-use items.

“This inspired creativity in each member of the team. We ran into great challenges, such as the sale of the mines where we get our materials. This gave us the opportunity to see more options and continue seeking to promote the economy of our land.

“As a family that works together, we have had situations that have challenged us, such as the loss of my father some months past. It was tough, but we became stronger and made ourselves value life and its enjoyments even more. In this way, we increased our production and we started to create more continuity between our pieces.

“For us, working with NOVICA has been a blessing; as a family, we are very happy with this company. They have showed us a new market from which we can take the best in order to grow in each aspect of our work, adding to our vision as artisans.

“Our goal is to learn and expand, learning about the richness of the natural stones of our country while maintaining quality in each one of our pieces and sharing a part of ourselves as a family.”

Original Artisan Story

Odette Sierra is from the beautiful Mexican state of Puebla. Her father Edgar Sierra first opened their workshop 30 years ago. Their town is renowned throughout Mexico for its carvings in onyx and marble. Submerged in this artistic heritage, the Sierras began crafting parquet tables in onyx and marble. During the history of their workshop they have come to perfect the fabrication of innumerable items, including chess sets, game sets, vases, sculptures, bathroom fixtures, and jewelry boxes.

The principal materials of the Sierra Family, onyx and marble, are mined in the Mexican states of Puebla and Oaxaca. A diamond disk is used to sculpt the stone, accompanied by large quantities of water. Once the desired shape is achieved the artisans finish the surface with emery board and a polisher.

The art of sculpting marble and onyx demands patience and virtue, both of which have been cultivated over time in the Sierra Family workshop.