Diana Arana

"I was born in 1986 in the province of Cajamarca, where our fertile fields form a beautiful landscape. Here, the scents of eucalyptus, retama shrubs and Peruvian pepper trees fill the air. It is both a privilege and a blessing to have been born here. <br><br> "My friends tell me I'm a happy woman, creative and a hard worker. <br><br> "In 1997, my grandfather died. I was only ten and it was the most difficult time in my life. He is the one who protected us and he was educating me. <br><br> "My mother was left with the great responsibility of supporting me and providing my studies until I completed secondary school. I was able to study for a year and a half toward a degree in business administration but, in 2007, my mother lost our house and I had to drop out of college. <br><br> "Two years later, my mother told me I had to study something like a technical career and I signed up for jewelry crafting without a second thought. I loved it from the very first day. We learned to work with metals and it was fascinating. I found it just incredible to have found my true passion, thanks to my dear mother's advice. <br><br> "I had classes in jewelry and learned techniques I still use today. I attend all the important congresses and conferences so I can continue to grown as a professional. <br><br> "Thanks to the hard times my mother and I went through, I was able to find my true passion. I love the look of silver and being able to transform it and combine it with beautiful stones makes me happy. I really enjoy creating designs that enhance a woman's elegance. <br><br> "Precious flowers like the orchid inspire me as well as butterflies and dragonflies. Architecture also gives me ideas for shapes and forms. <br><br> "One of my dreams for the future is to have a house of my own. I'd love to have a gallery with my own signature collection and I'd hope to see it recognized both locally and internationally."