Olive Leaf Green Jade Cocktail Ring from Mexico, "Leafy Olive"

“I am Martha Vargas. I was born in Morelia, in the state of Michoacan. I have had the great fortune of living in Patzcuaro, Michoacan, surrounded by artisans that worked with silver, wood, and many more materials. This instilled me with the desire to learn and work like they did.

“I learned in the handicraft school of Fine Arts and I train indigenous communities in Michoacan, Zacatecas, and Morelos, among others. Like all people, we have the need to grow and be better at what we do, and I have followed a path to contribute to what I have learned from day to day.

“I work in the jewelry business with various techniques and materials, such as silver and wood. They are materials that are known for their durable characteristics and are challenging to acquire. We obtain our recycled materials from indigenous Michoacan communities.

“What I enjoy most about my work is the wonderful opportunity to work with and support indigenous communities. The distance of these communities and the fact that some of them do not speak Spanish are challenges that I have learned to enjoy at every moment.

“Starting this project faced us with various challenges. I was in charge of design, production, packaging, and distribution, like many others who are just starting out. I was faced with health problems such as cancer while being both mother and father for my children.

“Working in rural communities has allowed me to help these communities recover techniques that they are losing. I help them work in teams, learn how to read maps, and in this way they are able to have a permanent source of income that helps them improve their quality of life.”