creative gifts

From the artisans of Joias do Rio, this petite sculpture is crafted of Brazilian gemstones. A butterfly flaunts luminous wings of honey calcite. The ethereal creature alights upon an amethyst crystal, and its brass body can be pivoted to face any direction.

Working with gemstones, artisans from Joias do Rio craft a petite and precious sculpture. They depict the blue morpho butterfly of the Amazon region, one of the largest butterflies in the world. Cool blue sodalite with its intricate white veins forms the wings while the slender body is silvery brass. The elegant creature alights on a base of natural, uncut amethyst.

Honored in Thailand as national symbols, these charming elephants pose for a traditional family scene crafted by Panapai. The artisan uses the ancient handblown technique to create each member of this giant lineage, decorating the three glass figurines with a purple hue representing creativity and royalty.

Hovering on whirring wings, a whimsical hummingbird seeks out the sweet nectar of flowers. Zeny and Reyna transform found pieces of copal wood into a delightful alebrije. These fanciful sculptures are a traditional folk art in Oaxaca, once based on twenty totems but today representing all kinds of animals. They take their name from a Calo gypsy word for "something difficult, tangled, confusing or fantastic."

Because each alebrije is individually created work of folk art, shapes will vary slightly. Small parts are separated for shipping to protect from breakage.

Atop an amethyst geode base, the brass limbs of this little tree twist back and forth, revealing leaves of earthy tiger's eye. The Brazilian artisans at Joias do Rio create this delightful gemstone sculpture, which is perfect as a paper weight or as a home decor piece.