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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, Novica, 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!"

Cause Badges

Working with Disabilities

Preserving Traditions

Microcredit Financing

Confronting Adversity

Enabling Education

Caring for Children

106 items by Ruben and Gilda Perez

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Reviews by Customers

Artist rating

Total reviews

132

Aura

Verified Reviewer

07/11/2020

"Unique and Bold"

The cut and heaviness of the stone was so unique. It s such a bold piece of jewelry it does not need anything else. I like that I have options on how to wear it. The cotton cord is size-able to your liking. As a choker or as a long necklace.

Best Uses

Casual Wear

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Purchased Item:

Real Stone, Adjustable Jade Pendant Necklace in Black from Guatemala

Thomas

Verified Reviewer

07/02/2020

"Beautiful statement piece"

Love it!

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Purchased Item:

Maya Elegance, Black Jade Pendant Necklace with Sterling Silver

Janet

Verified Reviewer

06/22/2020

"I just received the earrings that go with the neck"

I just received the earrings that go with the necklace. A beautiful perfectly matched set!

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Purchased Item:

Maya Legend, Collectible Modern Jade Dangle Earrings

Cyndi

Verified Reviewer

06/21/2020

"The color of these stones is amazing"

This is a very substantial earring in a beautiful color. They would be the focal point of any outfit Larger than I expected, but very nice.

Best Uses

Dress up times

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Purchased Item:

Subtle Dewdrops, Pale Green Jade and Sterling Silver Teardrop Dangle Earrings

Tamela

Verified Reviewer

06/07/2020

"A keeper"

Very well made , fits very nice and the color of the stone is really pretty , iv gotten a lot of completes .

Tags By Tamela

Best Uses

Everyday wear

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Purchased Item:

Loving Life in Dark Green, Adjustable Dark Green Jade Pendant Bracelet from Guatemala

Josue

Verified Reviewer

06/06/2020

"Genuine Jade"

This a simple bracelet but good looking. I thought that it was bigger size, for me is perfect. It is 10 millimeters the bead and the cord is 2 millimeters. I highly recommend this bracelet, especially for people that never used any bracelet before.

Best Uses

Casual, every day, sport

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Purchased Item:

Loving Life in Dark Green, Adjustable Dark Green Jade Pendant Bracelet from Guatemala

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