Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Duque.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Victoria. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My passion for jewelry began when I was a little girl admiring my mother in my home country of the Philippines. I would watch my mother as she prepared for the day. I was fascinated by her choice of jewelry, which was neither expensive nor overstated, but created a beautiful and elegant look.
Those early memories of my mother and her jewelry influenced a simple and timeless quality to the jewelry I make that is the heart of what inspires me to this day.
My passion for exquisite adornments continued to grow and mature – especially after gaining a Bachelor in Business Management from a prestigious University in the Philippines and setting off to travel the world as a young crew member on a passenger cruise line. On my travels I discovered vast varieties of gemstones, crystals, pearls, beads, and semi-precious stones. I was enchanted by the enticing characteristics of the jewels I encountered: their tactile feel, the myriad of colors and the way light penetrated or glistened off them. On my journeys I found myself collecting as many baubles and jewels as I could afford. I used my break time on the ship to escape the crowds and craft jewelry in my cabin that brought back fond memories of a beloved childhood and gave me the opportunity to emulate the beauty I so admired in her mother. My crafted jewelry received admiring glances that soon turned into orders and in 1999, my business was born.
Has it been a smooth road?
As a young child I would wander down to the river that ran through my small town and watch the fishermen repair their nets. I would study the way they weaved and repaired their fishing ropes and later I perfected and incorporated that into my crocheted and hand woven jewelry. At the time I could not imagine leaving the place that I lived but becoming a passenger crew ship member opened the world to me and enabled me to find my true passion.
Usually the gemstones I work with dictate the creation I will make but I am also stretching myself by my collaboration with designer/artist Angela Cartwright. I find myself growing as a jeweler by working with and interpreting someone else’s creative vision. I never want to stand still as a lapidist but wish to keep learning and growing.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Victoria Duque Creations – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I meticulously and patiently handcraft my jewelry designs. I source only the finest 14k gold, gold-fill and sterling silver bases for my jewelry alongside personally selecting exquisite semi-precious stones and pearls. I also love to work with antique pendants, charms, coins, cameos or anything that can be creatively re-purposed into jewelry. The end results uncover truly unique one-of-a-kind and limited-edition treasures inspired by both current trends and timeless elegance.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I love most about L.A. is the diversity of many cultures, languages, and cuisines. You can also meet many driven and inspiring people.
Contact Info:
- Address: La Canada Farmers Market every Saturday
Larchmont Village Farmers Market every Sunday - Website: www.victoriaduque.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: victoriaduquecreations
- Facebook: Victoria Duque Creations
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
