Juan confides his inspiration comes from silver itself. "I am driven by a desire to excel in this art," the artist says.

Born in 1964, Juan Contreras and his wife, Rosario Sulca [a Novica featured artisan], used to run a clothing shop, but financial hardship struck and things were not going well for them. Friends suggested the art of jewelry design, and Juan grappled with the decision for years. It was a world he absolutely knew nothing of, yet offered myriad creative possibilities.

Rosario was eager to design jewelry, and at first they relied on expert silversmiths. Little by little, however, Juan became fascinated with the process ...

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