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Teodoro Melendez and Family
"One of my most cherished moment was when I had a small workshop and my children, Carlos and Alicia, where with me while I was cutting gems by hand."
"It all actually began as a hobby, but with the passing of time it became something more serious for me, especially after reading the books by Julio C. Tello. I learned so much from them about my country's history and the different cultures that once made part of it. I mainly take my inspiration from these books to design my jewelry and select the gemstones that are a better for them.
"One of my most cherished moments was when I had a small workshop and my children, Carlos and Alicia, were with me while I was cutting gems by hand. Then we put them through a little machine to perfect the contours. Mine was a small workshop and we could not afford the larger, pricier machines.
"In my free time I enjoy swimming, soccer and basketball. I would describe my work as having a strong pre-Hispanic essence that is allowed to be sold outside of Peru. Reason being that the original pieces are obviously considered patrimony of the state and their sale is banned. That's why I love the idea that foreigners can get to share part of our history through my designs, where I try to replicate both metals and gems.
"Through my collections I try to convey the value of our cultures, and I think people will appreciate the work. It includes hammering, stamping, chisel work and melting – techniques we've been using for quite a while now, just like the Peruvian silversmiths of yore. I've exhibited my work in museums and galleries in Lima.
"The biggest challenge I have faced is starting from zero, without the support of either the banks or other financial institutions. Little by little, we've grown since then and have become a sustainable family enterprise.
"I would like to say that each of my designs represents a lifetime of dedication to the promotion of pre-Hispanic art for the newer generations to appreciate."
Meadow Goddess
Chrysocolla and Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings from...
Blue Curls
Sodalite and Sterling Silver Chandelier Earrings from Peru
Brilliance of the Ocean
Sterling Silver and Recon. Turquoise Dangle...
Infinite Ocean
Sodalite and Sterling Silver Beaded Necklace from Peru
Stunning Elegance
Chrysocolla and Silver Pendant Bracelet from Peru
Dewdrop Blooms
Sterling Silver Earrings With Aventurine Peru Flower...
Brushed Moons
Brushed-Satin Sterling Silver Stud Earrings from Peru
Blue-Green Crescent Moon
Crescent Chrysocolla Pendant Necklace from...
Luminous Sentries
Double Disk Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings from Peru
Llama Medallion
Llama-Themed Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace from Peru
Deep Blues
Lapis Lazuli and Sterling Silver Beaded Bracelet From Peru
Heavenly Glamour
Lapis Lazuli and Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings...
Loving Moonlight
Polished Sterling Silver and Rose Quartz Dangle...
Seafoam Stone Drops
Beaded Green Quartz Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings
Luck by Chance
Artisan Crafted Aventurine Beaded Bracelet With Silver
Forever Purple
Amethyst and Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings from Peru
Divine Heart
Religious Sterling Silver Heart Link Bracelet from Peru
Lucky Moonlight
High-Polished Sterling Silver and Amazonite Dangle...
Wise Moonlight
High-Polished Sterling Silver and Amethyst Dangle...
Silver Ripples
Amazonite Bead and Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings...
