Quartz and Diamond Cocktail Ring, "Butterfly"

"Because of World War II, my father came to Brazil from Portugal at the age of five, along with his parents, siblings and uncles. Since almost all of them were goldsmiths, they continued to practice their profession in Brazil.

"My father had his jewelry workshop in our house, where he worked and met with suppliers and customers for metal, stones and other materials inherent to his work. I liked going to his workshop a lot, and sometimes he'd get angry and tell me, 'Get out of here. This is no place for a girl. You should study to be a teacher!' I was never able to get him to teach me. He taught my brothers a little, but they didn't like it and didn't continue with my father's work.

"I trained in physiotherapy and worked in that field for many years, but I was always enchanted with the universe of jewelry. Then, when I was almost 50, I decided to enroll in a jewelry design course with the Jeweler's Association, and later, I took a handicraft course in crocheting with metal.

"I sell my pieces in an informal way, directly to my clients, who spread the word among their friends. I am very happy about working with Novica because now I can show my creations to the whole world."