Alida Nunez

Name: Alida Nunez

Website Link: http://www.alidajoyas.etsy.com/

Where are you located? Peru, South America

Tell us a bit about yourself: I’m from Lima, Peru and have been living here all my life. I studied Textile Design and worked in this business for almost 7 years not only as a designer but also as an account executive for brands like Liz Golf and Perry Ellis America. During my experience as an account executive I had the opportunity to visit NY twice, and despite the little time I had to make tourism, I really loved it there. I always had the idea of being my own boss and in 2003, after seeing a local jeweler’s interview on TV, I decided to try it myself. Since then I’ve been working with silver jewelry and in 2006 I landed my brand Alida Joyas (joyas is Spanish for jewelry). I’m also venturing in blogging and I expect to have a lot of visitors. Jewelry design is one of my passions. My other passion is music. I’ve been singing for a few years and since 2007 I joined a jazz choir where I found the most amazing people to share my love for music.

When did you begin designing jewelry/art? It was in the middle of 2003 when I decided to take jewelry lessons (metalsmithing), but I started designing my own jewelry in 2004.

What made you choose this type of art? I’m not sure why I exactly chose jewelry because I had the idea of taking metalsmithing lessons long before thinking about dedicating to jewelry design. I guess my dad buying me nice pieces of jewelry when I was little had a little to do with it.

What do you make? I make silver jewelry but I work in 18K gold as per request as well. I also make bridal jewelry, which includes engagement rings, wedding rings and headpieces.

What materials and methods do you use? I use sterling silver 950, which is a purer quality than 925. I combine it with Peruvian natural stones such as serpentine, amazonite and sodalite. The technique I work with is metalsmithing.

Where do your design inspirations come from? I just realized that they find me. They usually come in flashes when I’m listening to music, watching tv or movies, but mostly in my dreams (it comes in handy to have a notebook in the nightstand). I also get inspiration from art and nature, and I’m constantly surfing on the web to see what’s new.

What is your best working environment/where is your studio? My studio is at home. I always have music on when I’m working. I can’t be without music. And if it’s sunny, even better! Sun usually puts me in a good mood to work.

Where can your products be seen? You can visit me at: my website,   my blog,   dawanda,   Novica.com

Upcoming events: I’m designing my new collection and I’m pretty excited about it. I won’t tell you what it is about yet, but I can’t wait to share it with you!

Magazine articles or press: Interview for Handmade Crafts blog
Interview for Sara’s Texture Crafts blog
Photoshoot for a local bride’s magazine Bodas where they showcased my jewelry and tiaras

Are you a fan of any jewelry artisans? There are tons of jewelry artists I like. These are some of them: H. Stern,  Alexis Bittar, Claudia Stern

Price range: US$9.00 – US$110

Tell us a little about one of your favorite creations: One of my favorite designs is my funky set of ring and earrings. It’s colorful, fun and playful and for some reason I identify with it. I don’t mean that I’m colorful, fun and playful, but I do joke a lot.

Anything else you wish to add? There’s no better reward than seeing people wearing my jewelry and being recognized for my style and quality. This makes all the effort worth it.