Semicircle Lapis Lazuli Pendant Necklace from Brazil, "Half Blade"

"I was born in Rio de Janeiro, the daughter of a French father and an English mother. But despite my European parents, in my heart and soul I am Brazilian.

"I began my studies at the Lycée Molière, a French school chosen by my parents in Rio de Janeiro. There, I had my first contact with the world of the arts. I learned drawing techniques and perspective, the play of light and shadows, and more.

"When it came time to choose a career, I decided to study marketing. At the beginning of my college days, in 1977, I worked in a French jewelry store and I fell in love with jewelry. I was fascinated to see those delicate, colorful gemstones and I was intrigued by the process of crafting beautiful jewelry.

"Whenever the goldsmith came to the store to make a delivery, I'd sit next to him and ask a lot of questions. I sought to deepen my knowledge of the field by researching and studying manufacturing processes, techniques, materials, stones, in short, everything that was part of the universe of jewelry. I began studying in the prestigious Atelier Mourão.

"I love handcrafts and so I carefully draw my designs. Some are sculpted with my own hands in a wax modeling technique, which I love as it gives me freedom of creation and brings me a lot of serenity. It's a moment where my attention is totally focused on my work.

"I seek my inspiration in nature, at the beach, in the mountains, in Rio and its architecture, fashion, and gastronomy to develop timeless designs that can go from day to evening and for any occasion.

"Now I can share my creations with the world, know where they'll be sent and — even more exciting — I'll receive the feedback from my shoppers. I couldn't be happier."