Cultured Pearl and Silver Waterfall Earrings from Brazil, "Gleaming Jellyfish"

"I was always interested in three-dimensional art such as sculptures, and I recognized this possibility in jewelry. Jewelry is a utilitarian art that offers a form of working manually and creating an object of great added value.

"I took an intensive course on working with gold in Carlos Casnatti's studio in São Paulo. Whenever somebody seeks me for learning this art, I am open to teaching, even though it's been a while now since I learned.

"I work basically with silver, but I try to use available materials in my area, such as buriti palm fibers and lace. I also use stones that were broken in the handling to make jewelry with the inlay technique.

"Transforming metal into jewelry is fascinating. When I sit down at my work bench, I disconnect from the world. That is fascination. That is passion."

It is with pleasure and pride that Claudio helps to promote his native northeastern area with regional designs as well as from his state, Ceará.

"I'm proud of having started from zero, without family in the area, and to have been able to continue with this art for more than 20 years."