
Artisan Crafted Aventurine Beaded Bracelet With Silver 'Luck by Chance' Item ID: 2677066078
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"I was born in 1924 in Trujillo, known as the 'city of eternal spring.' None of my parents were artisans, in fact dad was an archaeologist and mom a homemaker. However my artistic formation came from my dad during his work as an archaeologist in pre-Hispanic sites, and later as the curator of a museum. That's when I became inspired to craft jewelry with designs and motifs unique to ancient Peru. It has been my passion and my life ever since then.
"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."
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Teodoro Melendez and Family sterling silver and gemstone jewelry
"I was born in 1924 in Trujillo, known as the 'city of eternal spring.' None of my parents were artisans, in fact dad was an archaeologist and mom a homemaker. However my artistic formation came from my dad during his work as an archaeologist in pre-Hispanic sites, and later as the curator of a museum. That's when I became inspired to craft jewelry with designs and motifs unique to ancient Peru. It has been my passion and my life ever since then.
"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."
"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."

Andes Artisan Empowerment Hub
Explore the Andes region, once home to the Inca, Wari, Chavin and other ancient empires. Today, the influences of these ancient civilizations can be found in the artistic handicraft traditions that artisans use to create the vast array of jewelry, home furnishings, pottery, textiles, paintings and folk art that preserve the diverse, complex heritage of this colorful Latin land.
Maker BadgeEnabling Education
Teodoro's eight children are grown and he now has 20 grandchildren. During difficult economic times, he assists with his grandchildren's education.
Maker BadgeConfronting Adversity
In his ninth decade of life, Teodoro is no longer able to work and often requires assistance with walking and daily activities. His son and daughter now care for him. In spite of his poor health, he continues to spend time at his workshop, inspiring and guiding the creation of the art he has dedicated his life to.
Maker BadgePreserving Traditions
Exposed to the unique designs of pre-Hispanic culture by his father, an archeologist and museum curator, Teodoro turned his interest into a livelihood. He learned the hammering, stamping, burning and casting techniques of early craftsmen, using them to create unique jewelry steeped in the culture of ancient Peru. Through his family workshop, he continues to pass these techniques to other artisans. Teodoro has dedicated his life's work to perpetuating pre-Hispanic jewelry design and production techniques, many of which he was introduced to by Victor Larco, the founder of the Pre-Columbian Museum in Lima.
Maker BadgeElder Master
This artist is an elder master and continues to actively practice their craft.
Maker BadgeMicrocredit Financing
Teodoro Melendez and Family has received 7 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $300 and the most recent for $1500. Proceeds were used to purchase materials such as silver for his work.
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