Over $102.1 million sent to artisans so far!

Passport Club

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, who 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 on May 23, 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, 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 may 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 Novica and the people who support traditional handcrafts can tell that ours is a 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 received several recognitions from Guatemala's Tourism Institute where they give special mention to the high quality of our pieces, as well as for our hard work. I believe our jewelry reflects all the love that we pour into what we do. Our customers are mostly tourists who like our designs because we use the best jade and the best quality silver we can find.

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

Cause Badges

Empowering Women

Microcredit Financing

Caring for Children

Enabling Education

597 items by Zandra Lorena Sajbin

PREV
1
2
...
8
NEXT

Reviews by Customers

Artist rating

Total reviews

361

Ed

From New York

Verified Reviewer

08/06/2020

"Bracelet"

Nicely made bracelet. Nice colors.

Was This Review Helpful?

Yes (0) No (0)

Purchased Item:

Sacred Culture, Jade Beaded Guatemalan Pendant Necklace

Mona

Verified Reviewer

08/01/2020

"Well made"

Ring is as described, but imagine stone colors are varied. It s a lightweight ring but not cheap. Nice for daily wear

Was This Review Helpful?

Yes (0) No (0)

Purchased Item:

Shades of Green, Handcrafted Minimalist Forest Green Jade and Silver Ring

Robin

Verified Reviewer

07/30/2020

"Beautiful Dainty Necklace"

Good craftsmanship. Nice color. Matches earrings. Wish there was matching bracelet. Great gift to appreciative wife for anniversary.

Was This Review Helpful?

Yes (0) No (0)

Purchased Item:

Pale Green Tears, Handcrafted Modern Sterling Silver Pendant Jade Necklace

Tangala

Verified Reviewer

07/29/2020

"Birthday gift for Mama"

She absolutely loved it...it was the second piece of jade jewelry I got her from Novica.

Was This Review Helpful?

Yes (0) No (0)

Purchased Item:

Love Immemorial, Artisan Crafted Heart Shaped Jade Pendant Necklace

Ana

Verified Reviewer

07/22/2020

"Lovely jade color"

Love the designs and craftsman ship of this ring . I love wearing jade Jewerly. Just wish it was thicker on the band to wear more comfortable.

Was This Review Helpful?

Yes (0) No (0)

Purchased Item:

Zinnia Love, Jade Hearts on Sterling Silver Handcrafted Ring

Debbie

Verified Reviewer

07/18/2020

"year of the snake"

I was looking for snake jewelry and these are my favorite ones! I like the simple lines and use of stone accents.

Was This Review Helpful?

Yes (0) No (0)

Purchased Item:

Dark Vision Serpent, Hand Made Silver and Dark Green Jade Dangle Earrings

BACK TO TOP

Your NOVICA Packages are Safe and Secure!

NOVICA's response to COVID 19

Every NOVICA item comes with our universal guarantee

Certified clean packing environment

Quality tested and verified by our region teams

Fair trade and 100% happiness guaranteed