Maria Belen Nilson

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Update (August, 2019)

We met in 2007. Over these years, I've been able to promote my jewelry in a different way. And I have met with artisans from all over the world.

I feel a huge passion for Mexican traditions and I really believe in the value of this wonderful art. Supporting it is our responsibility, if we want to preserve it.

There are now seven families who work with me on this beautiful project. The 'human component must be present in all crafting processes, from the simplest to the most demanding. We never forget to value all aspects of the work our designs require to maintain our precise quality.

We continue to preserve techniques such as lost wax, embossing and die cutting. Each of my designs has a source of inspiration in the natural world that surrounds me. Passion, emotion and feeling awaken inside me whenever I think of Mexico and its magical tradition of silver.

I have focused my collections on themes such as Mexican Drama and Texture and Purity, which for me have come to represent my own expression... my spirit... my identity….

I want to keep growing and share my designs all over the world. As this project grows, my designs shine through each of the feelings involved in creating it, sharing the patience, care, love, passion and consideration that each piece of jewelry represents.

Original Artisan Story

Hola! I was born in Rio Cuarto, Argentina, in 1954. I grew up there, and graduated in Educational Studies. When I was 21, I left my country and moved to Mexico.

I came here on my own and with nothing. I chose Mexico because I have admired this country and its culture ever since I was very young. I fell in love with Mexico the moment I arrived and started teaching literature in Mexico City.

After some years I moved to the state of Morelos, where I started doing handicrafts. I learned about different crafting techniques, and about working with different materials.

I met my husband in Morelos. He is a jewelry designer and we moved to Taxco after we got married. After my first daughter was born, we moved around the country, including to San Miguel Allende and Palenque. Eventually, we moved back to Taxco, which is renowned as Mexico's silver city.

I began working with silver in 1994 by chance. My husband and I had recently divorced and I had to go on by myself to provide for my three daughters. I decided to set up my own workshop and contacted renowned silversmiths in Taxco so I could learn from them.

I love this country! All my designs are inspired by Mexico and Frida Kahlo. I really enjoy doing what I do, as it comes from my deep love for Mexico, and for letting me be who I want to be.

I've endured difficult situations in my life, like the death of my second daughter. But here is where I discovered my spiritual strength, and I learned to move ahead by following my heart. If you follow what your heart tells you, you will never be mistaken and you will get what you are looking for.

Gracias to Mexico, and to all of you.

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NOVICA was started with a dream to create a better world for artisans, because a better world for artisans is a better world for all.

Along the way, the founders of NOVICA discovered something very important - as artisans around the world succeeded, there was also a visible and profound impact on the communities around them.

Your purchases are that powerful. They directly and indirectly provide for education, help with health care, fund basic needs, support children, preserve disappearing arts, and of course, spread happiness around the world.

The founders of NOVICA had a vision of the future that is not one of mega factories producing cookie cutter products for all to cheaply consume. Instead, a bright future that celebrates artisans who take the time to create an item by hand. A future where time is protected, where stories are told, where unique details are honored. Love, respect, inclusiveness become driving force.

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