Artist's Statement

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I was born in Brazil, moved to the United States at the age of three with my family, and have been living in Italy since 1986. I live with my son in the medieval center of a beautiful city, located at what can be described as the confines between Northern and Central Italy.

I had the incredible fortune of being able to travel extensively ever since I was a small child, and have always been fascinated by faraway lands and exotic cultures. My parents transmitted to me their love for art and culture, and my own dabblings in arts and crafts became so important to me through the years that I chose to major in art, among other things, in college.

Once in Italy, I spent two years attending a small, exclusive school of jewelry design, gold and silversmithing in Florence. During this time I learned the traditional methods of working metals and blending them with stones to create jewelry, using techniques that are centuries old. Through the course of my life I had to abandon smithing for reasons beyond my control...until, many many years later.... I discovered beading.

Andréa

General Information regarding my work

All of the gemstones featured in my work are Natural and Untreated, unless otherwise specified. If I am not sure whether the stone(s) in question is natural/has been treated, I will specify this.

Almost all of the pearls featured in my work are Natural Freshwater Pearls which have been dyed. There are some exceptions, and in any case the pearls eventually used in a piece are described.

Any metals used in the creation of my jewelry are nickel-free, unless otherwise specified.

I am always on the lookout for unusual materials and stones to incorporate in my work. I generally look for top-quality items, but do not disdain using an unnecessarily perfect stone or less precious materials when these enrich and contribute to a particular design. My philosophy when creating focuses on beauty and harmony, not on diamonds versus zircons, though I purchase and use only top of the line jewelry components in general.

A note regarding dyed pearls - The coloration and irridescence of dyed pearls is fruit of a permanent chemical process taking anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks. All colored pearls are treated in this manner.