Saint Benedict Gold Plated Wool Braided Necklace from Mexico, "Life Within"

"I'm a Mexican jewelry artisan from the state of Oaxaca. I learned this beautiful art from my parents and grandparents. When I was a young girl, I began tried to help them after lunch with each piece they crafted.

"The idea for my designs came to mind when I was trying to do something different while still using authentic materials and the original technique. Our area has many herds of sheep, whose wool is used in weavings, but I combine it with beads, silver and gold and use it in my jewelry

"One of the things I've learned through my work is the necessity for patience and dedication as well as being very selective with the quality of my work.

"I especially enjoy creating designs that represent a challenge for me. Wool is one of them because it requires an enormous amount of attention at all times.

"But the greatest challenge is weaving and braiding every design that I visualize, from imagining it, choosing the colors and the type of details that will best complement it.

"I always try to find inspiration in every one of nature's expressions and what they mean to me — their colors, scents, flavors and experiences.

"Today, my dream is to expand our work area and, in this way, be able to share our passion for jewelry with more people."