Tiger's Eye and Serpentine Beaded Stretch Bracelet, "Fire of the Heart"

"I was born in Iquitos, one of the most charming towns in the Peruvian rain forest, on April 6, 1973. We moved to the capital, where I went to school.

"As a child, I was interested by handicrafts and I also loved playing outdoors. As I grew older, I became fascinated with museums and cultural centers where I could feel the energy of our culture and especially our handcrafted arts.

"My friends say I'm very sensitive to art. In 1997, I enrolled in a jewelry institute because I was very interested in metals and gemstones. I felt that this is the best way for me to express my creativity, my aesthetic and myself. I was always a timid child and jewelry helped me conquer my shyness — I can convey my energy through my designs, a positive energy. I feel so proud when I see my ideas become a reality.

"I find inspiration in everything around me, especially colors. I really like ceramics and gemstones. We artisans express the best of ourselves in each and every design."