Labradorite and Garnet Pendant Necklace and Earrings Set, "Glorious Mountainside"

Update (August, 2019)

“We are responsible to the environment by avoiding the use of gas torches, chemicals and waxes that affect the environment and health. We minimize impact, such as to air, water and soil emissions, and manage waste responsibly.

“Everything is made by women, the design, elaboration and execution. In addition, we have helped programs for women through webinars focused on the development of women entrepreneurs in LATAM and the Caribbean, and provided advice to NGOs in LATAM of women in handicraft businesses.

“That is why we have created Joyas de Autor; we are working to build a global brand founded by women. We want to help women entrepreneurs by offering training and conferences for women in handicraft businesses in developing countries. That is our main mission.”

Original Artisan Story

"I'm a jewelry designer and artisan, born in a town near Guadalajara. I specialize in Mexican gemstones such as quartz and opal, mainly from mines in the state of Jalisco.

"In college, I majored in fashion design but I've always been attracted to jewelry with natural gemstones or geodes. They can be difficult to find, so I decided to design jewelry. I enrolled in a specialized school to study jewelry and silverwork. There, I learned more about the stones, their origins, and the best ways to combine them in a pleasing design.

"I decided to train to be able to design, and learned that discipline and constancy are the best teachers for any project.

"Some gems such as quartz are harder than others and thus more difficult to work with. I prefer to use stones mined nearby, or the beautiful opals from the mines in Magdalena.

"It was a challenge at first. I wanted to achieve an equilibrium with the environment and, initially, it wasn't easy at all. Even so, my most basic principle remains to walk hand in hand with the environment. Along the way, I began opening ways to support creative women who want to learn this lovely art and help support their families through jewelry.

"Our long term goal is to encourage a culture of equality of gender and give work to single mothers so they can learn a skill and become an active part of the working world.

"What I love most about my work is that it has let me serve others generously, bringing me happiness every day."