ancient maya

In celebration of the vibrant culture of the ancient Maya, this pendant necklace features a disc of green jade alongside a geometric jade bead in apple green. Zandra Lorena Sajbin of Guatemala designs this necklace, circling the neck with a length of adjustable cotton cord.

An ancient Maya legend tells how the gods gave a specific mission to each being they created. But they realized none had been chosen to carry thoughts and desires from one place to another," says Rosa Padillas of Rosa Roja. "So they carved a small piece of jade into a a slender arrowhead, and it became a beautiful hummingbird with iridescent feathers — the x ts'unu'um. Its mission was to carry good thoughts to all human beings, even those who had died.

"Today, if a hummingbird appears in front of you, it is delivering a message of love from someone who is thinking of you. And if we wear the image of a hummingbird, we carry good thoughts and desires to others.

"The hummingbird legend says that we can fly to the six cardinal points of the universe, therefore the hummingbird is the ideal link to transmit thoughts of love, of respect, tolerance and peace to all creatures on the planet."

The talented Mexican artisan reinterprets the legend as a necklace of dramatic beauty. She creates a hummingbird pendant in the pre-Hispanic style, and adds an agate geode representing the hummingbird's nest. It poses on a strand of gray cultured pearls.

A palette of brown, black, grey and white hues transports you to the ancient times of the Maya, where culture and tradition merge gracefully with spirituality. Handcrafted in Guatemala by Álvaro Ratzan, this glass-beaded cuff bracelet features a classic pattern of diamond shapes separated by a stripe, reminiscent of the region's textiles. The accessory also has a leather-accented structure, allowing you to display its beauty comfortably.

Guatemala's tradition and culture are often present in its ancient textiles, testimonies of its historical richness. Inspired by these stunning creations once crafted by his ancestors, Álvaro Ratzan creates this glass beaded bracelet featuring a palette of red and black hues, full of geometric figures that evoke the majesty of the Maya. Furthermore, the accessory comes with a leather-accented structure for a comfortable fit.

Guatemala's tradition and culture are often present in its ancient textiles, testimonies of its historical richness. Inspired by these gorgeous creations once crafted by his ancestors, Álvaro Ratzan creates this glass beaded bracelet featuring a palette of blue and black hues, full of geometric figures that evoke the splendor of the Maya. Furthermore, the accessory comes with a leather-accented structure for a comfortable fit.

Quetzalcoatl, the ancient pre-Hispanic deity depicted as a feathered serpent, is depicted in this striking men's stretch charm bracelet by Angel Ortiz. Working in the iconic style of Taxco silversmithing, Mexican artisans expertly craft the lustrous bead and textured charm from sterling silver, dangling gracefully from an array of fabulous tiger’s eye beads.

Quetzalcoatl, the ancient pre-Hispanic deity depicted as a feathered serpent, is depicted in this striking men's stretch charm bracelet by Angel Ortiz. Working in the iconic style of Taxco silversmithing, Mexican artisans expertly craft the lustrous bead and textured charm from sterling silver, dangling gracefully from an array of fabulous tiger’s eye beads.