Soledad Borel

handcrafted contemporary silver jewelry

Soledad Borel is a Chilean artisan who has lived in Costa Rica for many years. ... read more

1 review

Empowering Women The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women. Preserving Traditions This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive. Profound Impact Every purchase from this artist has a profound impact on their livelihood and income. Confronting Adversity This artist is currently confronting a major life challenge. Covering Basic Needs This artist striving to supporting their own or their family's basic needs and improve their livelihood.

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Explore Central America. Rich rainforests and acti ... about

Soledad Borel handcrafted contemporary silver jewelry

Soledad Borel is a Chilean artisan who has lived in Costa Rica for many years.

"Beginning in the mid-1990s, I have designed and crafted my jewelry independently in my home workshop. In addition to silver, and occasionally gold, I use semi-precious stones and natural materials, such as wood and glass aged by the sea. The stones, ceramics, metals, fabrics and other 'discarded' materials combine in an original and harmonious way.

"Since I was little, I've loved this world. I always saw my mom's jewelry, many of which my dad gave her as a gift from his travels around the world. Her main taste was ethnic jewelry.

"When I lived in Africa, I became interested in jewelry from the countries in which I lived, and I bought many beads to make my own necklaces. In 1990, I wanted to improve my skills and I had the opportunity to take courses with Sue Goldgewicht, a goldsmith who had her workshop near the University of Costa Rica, where I learned the basics of metallurgy, welding and other techniques. While applying this knowledge in my first projects, I continued taking several more advanced workshops, for example mokumé, agua fuerte and filigree.

"Ever since then, this has been my passion. I have set up a small workshop in my home, There, I have specialized tools and a complete wardrobe of beads and diverse materials, many of which I collected on beaches and roads. I love traveling the world and seeing so many wonders that can be expressed in my jewelry. That is where I get my biggest inspiration. Every day we can appreciate different scenes with the wonder of nature. I usually have several projects going simultaneously, from the initial drawing, cutting the gemstones and sheets, welding, polishing and retouching.

"Traveling has opened my eyes. I've been in places like Ethiopia and Nigeria where life is very hard and, many times, the role of women is not appreciated. So I decided to create a cooperative of women. In the future, I hope to have a large group and teach them silver work, give workshops and make it possible for them to learn a trade where they can have a fixed income to support their families.

"I design and create for women who value beauty and originality."

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace Costa Rica

Soledad Borel is a Chilean artisan who has lived in Costa Rica for many years.

"Beginning in the mid-1990s, I have designed and crafted my jewelry independently in my home workshop. In addition to silver, and occasionally gold, I use semi-precious stones and natural materials, such as wood and glass aged by the sea. The stones, ceramics, metals, fabrics and other 'discarded' materials combine in an original and harmonious way.

"Since I was little, I've loved this world. I always saw my mom's jewelry, many of which my dad gave her as a gift from his travels around the world. Her main taste was ethnic jewelry.

"When I lived in Africa, I became interested in jewelry from the countries in which I lived, and I bought many beads to make my own necklaces. In 1990, I wanted to improve my skills and I had the opportunity to take courses with Sue Goldgewicht, a goldsmith who had her workshop near the University of Costa Rica, where I learned the basics of metallurgy, welding and other techniques. While applying this knowledge in my first projects, I continued taking several more advanced workshops, for example mokumé, agua fuerte and filigree.

"Ever since then, this has been my passion. I have set up a small workshop in my home, There, I have specialized tools and a complete wardrobe of beads and diverse materials, many of which I collected on beaches and roads. I love traveling the world and seeing so many wonders that can be expressed in my jewelry. That is where I get my biggest inspiration. Every day we can appreciate different scenes with the wonder of nature. I usually have several projects going simultaneously, from the initial drawing, cutting the gemstones and sheets, welding, polishing and retouching.

"Traveling has opened my eyes. I've been in places like Ethiopia and Nigeria where life is very hard and, many times, the role of women is not appreciated. So I decided to create a cooperative of women. In the future, I hope to have a large group and teach them silver work, give workshops and make it possible for them to learn a trade where they can have a fixed income to support their families.

"I design and create for women who value beauty and originality."

Central America Fulfillment Hub

Explore Central America. Rich rainforests and active volcanoes shelter the vestiges of the Mayan civilization that lives on in the languages and the arts of Central America. You'll discover the weaving traditions recorded on the backstrap looms, the glyphs and geometry that define the jewelry and pottery, and the vibrantly-painted folk art statues and masks among all the unique, handcrafted artisan treasures in our Central America Collection.

Maker BadgeEmpowering Women

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

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 BadgeConfronting Adversity

This artist is currently confronting a major life challenge.

Maker BadgeCovering Basic Needs

This artist striving to supporting their own or their family's basic needs and improve their livelihood.

4 items