artisan jewelry

For artisan Dina from Peru, handcrafting jewelry with an Incan flair is a family affair. Her husband learned ceramic techniques from her, and the whole family works in one artisan form or another. "My work is a family endeavor and our designs are ancestral ones," she says. She designs this set of three beaded bracelets which are hand-strung. Jasper, obsidian, tiny sterling silver beads, smooth green and red beads, and handcrafted ceramic beads give the stretch bracelets a variety of colors and textures.

The iconography of the Incas serves as the foundation for the design of this pair of ceramic pendant necklaces from Peruvian artisan Dina. Against a vivid red background, symbols and shapes in black and gold recall the geometric patterns of Incan art. Each ring-shaped pendant features a bead in these same shades. The medallions are painted by hand and hang from black nylon cord.

An admirable hand painted pendant in copper and black tones hangs from nylon cord in this necklace designed by Peru's Dina. Artisan crafted, the ring-shaped ceramic pendant has a design reminiscent of the geometric motifs found on Incan textiles and pottery. A finishing touch is provided by the copper and black striped bead at the top of the necklace.

Also known as the Andean cross, the chakana is an ancient symbol often seen in Peru's ancient art. It represents the Southern Cross. One of the pre-Hispanic astral symbols that presided over the Andean universe, the chakana symbolizes order in family and community life. It is taken from a constellation of stars forming a square, and represents the universe connected to the center of the world. It also symbolizes a stairway toward the most high. "For me, the chakana also represents spirituality," Maria Astuhuaman confides. "It serves as a medium of connection between us and the divine." The artisan presents a sterling silver chacana on this black faux leather bracelet.