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Soraya Lopes

"I became passionate about stones after I took a crystal therapy course with a girlfriend of mine. During that time, in 1990, I was leaving my job as a systems analyst in a state-run enterprise and I began a new business. While the undertaking went from bad to worse, due to the drastic effects on the Brazilian economy caused by the Collor Plan, I decided to take a jewelry course in order to practice what I had learned. I had a lot of luck from the beginning; I managed to buy all of the necessary material at low prices and I got a lot of equipment. I found myself with a small workshop on the veranda of my house.

"I made pieces just for practice, only showing them to my children and husband, who always thought they were very beautiful and encouraged to make more. With the little bit of technique I had picked up, I was developing my own style, learning from my mistakes. When I already had a large quantity of pieces and almost no money I decided to try selling the works. People flocked to the jewelry, and I was completely stunned that I was able to sell everything. From that moment on I began to display more pieces and to sell my work in the fashion markets.

"I like to work with stones because they are able transform jewelry into talismans or objects of power. I believe that more and more people are looking towards antiquity in terms of health and equilibrium. Since I began to deal with stones and jewelry, I have already witnessed several curious occurrences that make me believe the stone most needed by a person is also the stone most attractive to that person. I am very happy to be able to help someone find the stone that can provide him or her with health and well-being. People place a series of hopes and positive sentiments upon their stones, and I am always aware of the therapeutic usage of jewelry.

"I am an artisan who sells her own work and I think that participating in Novica is one of the best opportunities that has been given to me since I began working with stones. To represent Brazilian art is an honor, and I feel very proud."