Love. Spark. Fire. Jewelry

Reality is only a manifestation and an embodiment of ideas...  Love. Spark. Fire. is a concept that snuck up on me slowly like a feline- patient, yet persistent.  It began when I first went to Buenos Aires.  My intention was to volunteer short-term teaching English, but I ended up staying to travel throughout South America for seven months.  When I wasn't volunteering, taking Jorge Luis Borges classes, or visiting UNESCO sites, I lost myself amongst the stalls of the ferias, or markets, marveling at the arts and crafts for sale- the likes of which I had never before seen.

Each piece of jewelry I took home with me from South America was undoubtedly beautiful and distinct in its own right.  Though this jewelry might not have been made of such "precious" stones as rubies and diamonds, wearing it made me feel more connected to myself, connected to nature.  People of all ages and walks of life complimented me on the jewelry I wore, and I got to thinking...

Consequent trips to Latin America- including Mexico, Nicaragua, Colombia, Ecuador and Brazil convinced me that the accessibility to this wonderful jewelry should not be limited by borders.  Nothing offered here can be acquired in your local department or specialty store.  It is indiscriminate of budget and beyond such mundane categories of "costume" or "fine" jewelry.  What Love. Spark. Fire. has to offer is art made by the people to be worn by the people- it is beautiful, demure, and brilliant. 

I was born a dreamer and a destined wanderer of the world- a gypsy if you will.  I have been fortunate enough to have traveled throughout the majority of Latin America, various states in the U.S., as well as Japan and China.  At a very early age, I knew I was meant to be an artist.  Through the years, I have taken many different paths, but art has consistently been one of the most important outlets life could offer me.  I write poetry and short stories, draw and paint, and each day am ever-more captivated by the world of jewelry. 

Learning has always played an integral part in my day-to-day life.  I graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in American Literature and Culture, and am in the process of obtaining my M.A. in Latin American Studies at SDSU.  Love. Spark. Fire. Jewelry was founded not only to provide others with beautifully hand-crafted jewelry, but also to financially support my education and volunteer work.  I love learning about different cultures and their politics, histories, art and languages.  While I have studied various foreign languages, I claim fluency in English and Spanish and am almost there with Brazilian Portuguese.  

After obtaining my degree, I wish to continue my artistic endeavors while teaching the Spanish language and enabling others to open their doors of communication.  I will work to combat poverty and increase access to education in Latin American communities.  Above all, my vision and dream is cross-cultural compassion in all regions of the world. 

Thank you for visiting my website!

Amor y Paz,

Cristina