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Ruben and Gilda Perez

Ruben and Gilda Perez

Ruben and Gilda Perez

Ruben and Gilda Perez

Ruben and Gilda Perez

Ruben and Gilda Perez

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Ruben and Gilda Perez

Handcrafted jade jewelry and Maya masks in Central America

"Our parents taught us the value of hard work and that art is an expression of culture. This is an invaluable gift. We are also inspired by our own children."

Our story began in a town near Antigua. Gilda grew up in a home of woodcarvers and I grew up in a family of silversmiths, Ruben tells us. From a young age, I learned the craft of artisan jewelry, as I would watch my father work all the time. When I was old enough, he began teaching me. Gilda, too, helped out in the family wood workshop and also helped her mother sell traditional Guatemalan food in the town's park.

Our parents taught us this art. We began our first steps as artisans while still going to school. I remember we met when we were 16 years old. We were both very young and very much in love, Gilda says with a smile. When we decided to unite our lives, each of us continued working in our specialties. Ruben crafted jewelry and I did carvings but, as time went by, we decided to work together and to set up our own workshop.

Ruben tells us that he has been working with jewelry since 1996 and Gilda has been carving wood since 2002. They now dream of making their sales grow to be able to give their children the opportunity to go to college, to build a house, to improve their workshop and provide employment for others.

Our main inspiration is the legacy our parents left us. They taught us the value of hard work and that art is an expression of culture. This is an invaluable gift. We are also inspired by our own children, as they are a reflection of the effort behind our work. It is thanks to this work that they are learning to love what they do, and to do it better and better on their own, Ruben says.

During our free time, we always try to do something for our community. I like soccer a lot and I enjoy playing as well as attending the tournaments. I also began a soccer school for children. Gilda likes participating in religious activities as well as being a volunteer in the church group.

Thank you for opening your doors and allowing us to be a part of your family. We are artisans who are proud of our country. We work with our hearts, with dedication and love. Thank you for supporting us!

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Enabling Education

Caring for Children

120 items by Ruben and Gilda Perez

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Customer Reviews

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Artist rating

Total reviews

160

Selina

Verified Reviewer

02/24/2021

"So artistically beautiful!!"

Unique piece of jewelry that I m grateful to own...thank you??

Purchased Item:

Ring of Peace, Circular Natural Jade Pendant Necklace from Guatemala

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Steven

Verified Reviewer

02/02/2021

"Cant keep her hands off of this one!"

It looks exactly like the photos, and it makes quite an impression in hand--more than one might expect. It is that perfect color for several of her applications, so it gets used a lot.

Purchased Item:

Apple Blossom, Handmade Green Jade and Silver Necklace with Cotton Cord

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Steven

Verified Reviewer

02/02/2021

"She love this like candy"

It is such a simple design, but it always catches the eye. It almost seems edible, and it works with many different styles and colors of outfits. It gets a great deal of use!

Purchased Item:

Maya Legend, Collectible Black Cotton and Jade Pendant Necklace

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Randolph

Verified Reviewer

01/31/2021

"I bought this for my wife and she loves it."

Beautiful workmanship

Purchased Item:

Monolith in Light Green, Simple Jade Pendant Bracelet in Light Green from Guatemala

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Randolph

Verified Reviewer

01/31/2021

"I bought it for my Daughter. She loves it."

Very well crafted.

Purchased Item:

Mayan Ellipse, Adjustable Jade Pendant Necklace from Guatemala

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Jp

From Sc

Verified Reviewer

01/05/2021

"My beloved black cat Onyx Cuddles"

I lost my black cat Onyx Cuddles recently. These earrings touch my heart. They are beautiful and great quality. It will be hard to take them off. Thank you for a keepsake I will always treasure. I have found more items I will purchase. Thank you again. Backorder no problem. Well worth the short wait.

Purchased Item:

Cats of Love in Black, Jade Cat Dangle Earrings in Black from Guatemala

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