conjurejewelry

My Story:
As a life-long artist, I have many creative outlets and one of those is jewelry making, specifically with rocks, crystals, and gemstones. I was first introduced to the world of minerals by my amateur rockhound father at a young age and it’s been a passion of mine ever since. Over time, I have come to discover the reality behind how and where these beautiful treasures are actually obtained: usually, through unethical and environmentally unfriendly methods due to the mining industry being widely unregulated and untraceable. So as not to contribute to this tainted system of inhumane treatment and environmental destruction, I have established a personal, transparent relationship with an ethical, sustainable mining company based in the majestic Andes Mountains of Peru from which I source all of my jewelry’s crystals.

My Supplier's Story:
The mining company, Crystals from Peru, is managed by two partners, Paco Solano Santiago and Rodrigo Delgado Haro, with a like-minded vision to share their crystals with the rest of the world. With almost 50 years of combined experience in the mining industry between Paco and Rodrigo, they have been part of local community cultivation projects such as instituting rural credit programs, reforestation efforts, and the establishment of potable water systems. The miners themselves live and work in the Highlands of Peru, braving the challenging climate year-round. Their way of life relies heavily on a remarkable herd of native llamas, which transports minerals, supplies, food, and more across the rugged terrain. The mineral specimens are found and gathered either topically on the fields, on the walls of the mountains, or within the local area's mine, with minimal environmental impact as the community's production is heavily regulated and controlled by the government. The company works in harmony with the mining community, both parties benefiting and strengthening the growth of local mining together. The miners receive a fair profit due to their province abiding by a low tax system in order to promote employment and benefit the community which has historically been impoverished. Crystals from Peru's story is one of perseverance and dedication to forge a better way forward in the mining industry.

You can find more information here:
https://www.instagram.com/crystalsfrom_peru/

My Process:
Once I receive the crystals, natural and untouched straight from the mountains, I then drill them myself in my home workshop. As for the rest of my process, I purposefully do not use more materials than necessary which is why my designs are minimalist and simplistic in nature. In an effort to reuse and reduce waste, the hardware is either vintage or repurposed. I procure the hardware from a variety of places: local antique shops, other Etsy sellers, etc. The eco-friendly packaging consists of jewelry card holders which are hand-created from recycled cardboard, package cushioning alternatives such as corrugated cardboard, shredded paper, etc. and EcoEnclose mailers which are are recyclable and biodegradable.

My Vision:
Last but not least, all of these practices are aligned with my personal beliefs: the importance and sacredness of honoring all living beings and Mother Earth. My vision is to create jewelry that a customer can proudly wear, knowing their purchase, which was made with intention and informedness, had a positive ripple effect. Additionally, each piece is personally blessed with good intention before being sent off to its new home.

Sustainable. Ethical. Magical.