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Zandra Lorena Sajbin

Zandra Lorena Sajbin

Jade jewelry in Central America

"I strongly believe that everything is possible if one has dreams, and that nothing is impossible if you work hard to achieve your goals."

"My son's pediatrician and a priest from San Lucas Toliman, who I regard as my father, are my guardian angels. I'm a happy person who loves to chat, I'm honest and responsible, and I'm also a little bit strict. I was born on May 23, 1983 in Quiché but I grew up in an orphanage in San Lucas Toliman.

"At first my husband and I had a hard time selling our silver jewelry, we didn't have any clients. One day, when we didn't have money for food, I went to see our son's pediatrician and he bought a few pieces. He was our first client.

"The first thing I ever made on my own was a pair of silver earrings. My husband taught me so I could help him. I remember watching him work on his own 'til all hours of the night and I really wanted to learn how to craft jewelry. Finally the day came when he asked me to help him and that's how I started. As I saw the jewelry I had been crafting and saw how beautiful it was I felt happy -- everyone kept saying how much they liked what I had made!

"It's not been easy getting established as an artisan because silver is very expensive and it's difficult to purchase. But when you set your own mind to it, you can achieve your goals. My greatest dream is to be able to buy a piece of land and build my own house so that I may leave it to my two sons.

"I like to work with jade because it is a sacred stone for us Maya people. Jade used to be worn as an amulet, and those who wore the most jade pieces were considered to be the most important people in the community. Rescuing the value of our traditions is always important.

"Silver has become a way of life for my family, and little by little I'm teaching my sons so that when they grow up they may choose to continue what their mom and dad began for them.

"Guatemala offers many opportunities for those of us who like to work hard and now my husband and I have a workshop where we also sell our designs. I strongly believe that everything is possible if one has dreams, and that nothing is impossible if you work hard to achieve your goals.

"I think Novica and the people who support traditional handcrafts can tell that ours is a jewelry that satisfies the highest demands.

"I lead a happy and tranquil life together with my loved ones. I enjoy going to fairs and expos to exhibit my jewelry. We have received several recognitions from Guatemala's Tourism Institute where they give special mention to the high quality of our pieces, as well as for our hard work. I believe our jewelry reflects all the love that we pour into what we do. Our customers are mostly tourists who like our designs because we use the best jade and the best quality silver we can find.

"Offering my art through Novica is another dream come true. I am honored to see people beyond Guatemala's borders wear my designs. Each of them bears my best wishes."

Cause Badges

Empowering Women

Microcredit Financing

Caring for Children

Enabling Education

558 items by Zandra Lorena Sajbin

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Reviews by Customers

Artist rating

Total reviews

355

Joe Jones

From Coffeyville, KS

Verified Reviewer

07/07/2020

"Very good quality as expected."

My wife loves it.

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Purchased Item:

Love Immemorial, Artisan Crafted Heart Shaped Jade Pendant Necklace

Michelle

Verified Reviewer

06/19/2020

"Beautiful eaarings"

I have these to my mom for Mother s Day and she loved them!

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Purchased Item:

Green Apple, Dark Green Guatemalan Jade Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Melissa

From albuquerque, New Mexico

Verified Reviewer

06/03/2020

"Beautiful necklace"

My sister in law loved this necklace it is stunning.

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Purchased Item:

Marvelous Apple Green Diamond, Diamond-Shaped Apple Green Jade Pendant Necklace Guatemala

Anna

Verified Reviewer

05/28/2020

"Love but small"

I love the ring but it is way too small. I ordered another one same size and it fits perfect but I can t get this one on

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Purchased Item:

Dark Green Ancient Drop, Dark Green Drop-Shaped Jade Single Stone Ring from Guatemala

Jonathan

From Augusta, GA

Verified Reviewer

05/20/2020

"Beautiful Craftmanship"

This piece is a beautiful piece of craftmanship and the second piece that I have purchased from this artist. Both have become cherished gifts that are worn daily.

Was This Review Helpful?

Yes (2) No (0)

Purchased Item:

Lavender Tear, Hand Crafted Sterling Silver Lavender Jade Dangle Earrings

Carol

Verified Reviewer

05/14/2020

"Needed an extra"

Have a gift of jade earrings from a patient that can never be replaced and I needed a necklace to go with. This is perfect

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Yes (1) No (0)

Purchased Item:

Ancient Strength, Green Jade Pendant Necklace with Cotton Cord

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