mayan jewelry

With inspiration from Mayan art and architecture, Cristobal Ramirez of Guatemala designs a marvelous wrap bracelet. A beautiful array of glass beads in colors of blue and turquoise are carefully strung by hand between two lengths of nylon cord that wrap the wrist, closing with a reconstituted turquoise button. Says the artisan, "Mayan architecture is a precious thing. Combining different forms and sizes, it is something precious to admire. It is incredible to think that our ancestors achieved magnificent works without imagining that today they would be the treasure of our country."

Scintillating globes of natural amber become a unity bracelet in the hands of Juan Garcia. He knots the translucent beads by hand on crimson cords. Two larger beads in the center symbolize our unity during this difficult time," he says. "Each of the beads represents all human beings — individual, authentic and independent but, at the same time, united in solidarity and cooperation."

When used in jewelry, amber beads can include a stunning arrangement of tones and hues. Natural amber ranges from yellow to deep orange. It may sometimes even have a green cast to it, as well as opaque swirls within. Because amber is the preserved resin of prehistoric trees that grew millions of years ago, it sometimes has tiny inclusions of plants and insects, making it highly prized.

Bring the powers of vision, balance, and groundedness into your life. Victoria Zurdo handcrafts this bracelet with a combination of dark green jade and unakite beads. A 100% leather tassel pendant adds movement and a contrasting texture to the piece. She finishes it with a high-quality 925 sterling silver toggle clasp. Victoria learned the art of working with gems from her father. Throughout her life, she has continued with the craft that she learned as a young girl and has expanded her talents into making clothing and accessories.

Wear this out on the street to show your support! This bracelet is handwoven with blue and white fine glass beads by the Wakami cooperative of the city of Guatemala, a Kaqchikel Maya word meaning "it already is."

Reflected in gleaming spheres of sterling silver, polished light green jade beads are luminous. Pablo Castellanos in Guatemala creates the dangle earrings, using the treasured natural gemstone known to the Maya as ya'ax chich. The earrings swing from sterling silver hooks.

Guatemala's tradition and culture are often present in its ancient textiles, testimonies of its historical richness. Inspired by these stunning creations once crafted by his ancestors, Álvaro Ratzan creates this glass beaded bracelet featuring a palette of red and black hues, full of geometric figures that evoke the majesty of the Maya. Furthermore, the accessory comes with a leather-accented structure for a comfortable fit.

Guatemala's tradition and culture are often present in its ancient textiles, testimonies of its historical richness. Inspired by these gorgeous creations once crafted by his ancestors, Álvaro Ratzan creates this glass beaded bracelet featuring a palette of blue and black hues, full of geometric figures that evoke the splendor of the Maya. Furthermore, the accessory comes with a leather-accented structure for a comfortable fit.

A palette of brown, black, grey and white hues transports you to the ancient times of the Maya, where culture and tradition merge gracefully with spirituality. Handcrafted in Guatemala by Álvaro Ratzan, this glass-beaded cuff bracelet features a classic pattern of diamond shapes separated by a stripe, reminiscent of the region's textiles. The accessory also has a leather-accented structure, allowing you to display its beauty comfortably.