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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, whom 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 in 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, as 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 can 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 the people who support traditional handcrafts can tell that ours is 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 been recognized several times by Guatemala's Tourism Institute where they give special mention to the high quality of our designs, as well as for our hard work.

"I believe our jewelry reflects all the love that we pour into what we do. Our shoppers are mostly tourists who like our designs because we use the best jade and the best quality silver we can find.

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

Cause Badges

Empowering Women

Microcredit Financing

Caring for Children

Enabling Education

615 items by Zandra Lorena Sajbin

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Reviews by Customers

Artist rating

Total reviews

386

Scottie

From Southern California

Verified Reviewer

01/15/2021

"Perfect match"

I got this to go with the set. So far I have received these and the bracelet and the stones match as does the excellent quality. Zandra does very good work and I have ordered several pieces from her shop. I very much look forward to receiving everything (my fault for ordering separately) but it is worth the wait. Her designs are beautiful and the finish is very professional.

Best Uses

Heirlooms and daily use

Purchased Item:

Love Immemorial, Heart Shaped Jade Dangle Earrings from Central America

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jody fish

Verified Reviewer

01/15/2021

"Extremely beautiful"

This is an extremely beautiful pendant. I love how it can be light or dark green. The silver on both sides is also very beautiful. I especially love the Quetzal.

Tags By jody fish

beautiful artistic detailed lush

Best Uses

special occasions or every day

Purchased Item:

Quetzal Lord Eclipse, Reversible Silver Pendant Necklace with 2 Shades Green Jade

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Claudette

Verified Reviewer

01/12/2021

"Simple yet gorgeous"

Looks perfect when dressing up or down. Love it.

Purchased Item:

Ancient Strength, Green Jade Pendant Necklace with Cotton Cord

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Tina

Verified Reviewer

01/07/2021

"Smaller than I expected"

Really thought this would be larger - I do check the measurements, but sometimes a tad difficult to get a true perspective - but still a lovely pendant, that I will enjoy. I will likely combine with other smaller pendants to create a grouping

Best Uses

casual

Purchased Item:

Light Green Wheel of Fortune, Round Light Green Jade Pendant Necklace from Guatemala

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Patricia

Verified Reviewer

01/03/2021

"Lovely to wear ."

Comfortable , light, adjustable length . Daughter loved the necklace, especially the adjustable cord .

Purchased Item:

Ancient Strength, Green Jade Pendant Necklace with Cotton Cord

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Patricia

Verified Reviewer

01/03/2021

"Special."

For granddaughter , it is lovely and light ( comfortable to wear - adjustable length. )

Purchased Item:

Maya Glory, Black Jade Pendant Necklace with Cotton Cord

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