green beauty

Mauricio Morales crafts a small ceramic bird figurine that features exquisite hand painted detailing. "The process for making these small animals was something I learned when I was small...since then it has become a passion of mine," says the Guatemalan artisan, adding that the bird sculpture is made for, "...all of those who love birds." He starts by mixing the clay and carefully shaping the figure, and then he adds aluminum legs and feet. After the bird is fired, he sands it, mixes his own colors and paints the figurine. The result is a charming and precise depiction of a green-breasted mango hummingbird complete with slender bill, green plumage, and orange-brown tail feathers.

Natural black jade nestles in a halo of silver. Zandra Lorena Sajbin selects asymmetrical Guatemalan gems to craft earrings of classic beauty.

.925 Sterling silver

Guatemala's Zandra Lorena Sajbin highlights the unique beauty of black jade in the triangular shape of these pyramid earrings. She sets the gem in sterling silver as she crafts these earrings by hand. The ancient Maya referred to jade as Ya'ax Chich, and they regarded it as a sacred symbol of life, fertility and power.

.925 Sterling silver

The ancient Maya believed jade was such a powerful stone that it would transport their souls to the underworld when they died. Being regarded sacred for so long, it's no wonder that today Guatemalan artisans like Noe Perez treasure the beauty of the gem with their magnificent jewelry designs. Perez selects black jade to center this handcrafted sterling silver ring inspired by the Star Polaris.

The sacred birds of the ancient Maya culture, quetzals are national symbols for the Guatemalan people as they unite the country in a common sentiment of pride for those glorious pre-Columbian days. As an homage to quetzals, artisan Ricardo González creates an adorable acrylic and oil painting depicting the little creature in all its beauty.

The work, titled Ave Nacional in Spanish, comes signed and stretched, ready to add a little piece of Guatemala to your home decor.

The deep beauty of black jade captures the eye in this heart-shaped pendant necklace. From the workshop of Zandra Lorena Sajbin in Guatemala, the striking necklace is crafted from sterling silver.