Artisan Crafted Jade and Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace, "Jade Memories"

"My name is Noe and I was born in a lovely colonial town in Guatemala. My father is a jeweler and I grew up watching him work. As I got older, he started to teach me to craft jewelry. And he keeps teaching me because, as he always says, 'You never stop learning art.' I admire him a lot for his perseverance, creativity and, above all, for what he knows and shares.

"I enjoy the work he creates because it's very interesting. Creating jewelry helps me stay concentrated, calm and entertained. I appreciate this craft because, thanks to my silver work, I've been able to get ahead.

"I've had some difficult moments in life. One of the most difficult things that still hurts is being separated from my family because of my alcoholism. I thank God I've been able to overcome it, and now I'm with my family, wife and children. I feel sure of myself because of all this experience has taught me and I learned to value the people around me and my work. Now I'm enjoying being with my children, joking and enjoying special moments with my family. We are very happy.

"I dream of learning more, creating and making my workshop grow so that we're financially better off and I'll be able to see that children and family are well. I dream about them having professional careers.

"I also dream of being able to offer work to more people. I dream of teaching dedicated young people in my workshop. I have many dreams, lots of hopes and, thanks to Novica, I feel like I can reach them sooner."