Fabiana Quispe

Fabiana Quispe gourd and gemstone jewelry

"I come from the Quispe Family, other featured artists, and I learned by watching my father at work as well as other artisans in my village. I enjoyed creating my own designs and eventually I decided to be immersed in the wonderful world of jewelry.

"When I first started, I crafted small pieces with simple designs to gain practice and be able to earn and save enough to buy my own materials and tools. I began to work alongside my parents and relatives in 2001 but, now that I have my own family, I decided to become independent so that I could provide for them.

"One of the most interesting lessons to learn was about polishing. I could polish everything except for the actual jewelry — my nails would end up being polished, or I would end up perforating the silver! Now I'm proud to say I'm an expert when it comes to polishing.

"I've always enjoyed all kinds of manual crafts like knitting, embroidery, sewing, and baking, but in the end making jewelry wins above all.

"I tell people I have the best job in the world and I give it my all — my patience, my love and my hard work — in order to achieve the best quality possible.

"I'm motivated by a desire to highlight women's beauty and personality through my designs and creations. What I'm trying to transmit are new jewelry ideas, because in Peru we are capable of crafting all types of jewelry so they are available to all.

"To me, this art form is a way to express our ideas through our different designs and the love that we feel for it. I have exhibited my work in Lima and throughout the country.

"We are simple, humble people looking for a way to get ahead. All of our jewelry is crafted with love and high professional standards."

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace Lima, Peru

"When I first started, I crafted small pieces with simple designs to gain practice and be able to earn and save enough to buy my own materials and tools. I began to work alongside my parents and relatives in 2001 but, now that I have my own family, I decided to become independent so that I could provide for them.

"One of the most interesting lessons to learn was about polishing. I could polish everything except for the actual jewelry — my nails would end up being polished, or I would end up perforating the silver! Now I'm proud to say I'm an expert when it comes to polishing.

"I've always enjoyed all kinds of manual crafts like knitting, embroidery, sewing, and baking, but in the end making jewelry wins above all.

"I tell people I have the best job in the world and I give it my all — my patience, my love and my hard work — in order to achieve the best quality possible.

"I'm motivated by a desire to highlight women's beauty and personality through my designs and creations. What I'm trying to transmit are new jewelry ideas, because in Peru we are capable of crafting all types of jewelry so they are available to all.

"To me, this art form is a way to express our ideas through our different designs and the love that we feel for it. I have exhibited my work in Lima and throughout the country.

"We are simple, humble people looking for a way to get ahead. All of our jewelry is crafted with love and high professional standards."

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.

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Maker BadgeEmpowering Women

The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women.

Maker BadgeMoving On Up

This artist has dramatically improved their livelihood by working with NOVICA.

Maker BadgePreserving Traditions

This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.

Maker BadgeProfound Impact

Every purchase from this artist has a profound impact on their livelihood and income.

Maker BadgeMicrocredit Financing

Fabiana Quispe has received 3 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $1100 and the most recent for $1000. Proceeds were used to invest in the purchase of sterling silver to expand production.

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