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Julio Chocano

Julio Chocano Gonzalez (Huanuco, 1937), is a silversmith who works precious metals with the precision of a surgeon. Despite its exoticism, his jewelry satisfies the most exacting demands and penetrates the most refined tastes. To the silver's inherent nobility, he adds a beauty that is a product of his own ability, so that his jewelry shines like stars in the heavens.

"I have devoted myself to the art of jewelry making for almost five years. I am a chemical engineer, so I have always been familiar with precious metals. Thus I decided to work in jewelry, motivated as well by a personal interest to show the culture of my country in artistic works in silver. Our culture is so vast I want to make it known to the world. Together with my family, I am dedicated exclusively to this activity.

"My raw material is 0.925 silver with a small alloy of copper (95.5/5.4%). I use sealants and polishers, a burner, pliers, and cutters of diverse sizes. In our workshop, we have a section for design. Then we take this design to the die caster for him to make a mold. The sheets of silver, previously alloyed with copper, are prepared, giving them the adequate thickness and weight. They are then subjected to a press to mold the silver. The rest is done totally by hand. The finish is realized by polishing with special pastes and finally the piece is burnished to a brilliant shine. We are planning to integrate precious stones into our work, always preserving the essence of our culture.

"I have exhibited my work in specialized local fairs where it has been well received. My principal interest is to make our culture known by expressing it in the beauty of Peruvian silver. I believe my work has an essence of autochthonous inspiration. I would like to say that we transmit the Inca art developed by our ancestors, attempting to show its emotions and feelings."