Well I'm back! The secret destination turned out to be Peru and my husband had lined up an amazing series of activities and tours in an already-stunning country. My favourite parts were Cusco and the Urubamba Valley and, of course, Machu Picchu.
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| Machu Picchu, lost city of the Incas |
The Quechua culture is still very strong in the Andean Mountains and there was a wealth of handcrafted products in the local styles. The rainbow was very important to the Incas and it is still represented on the Quechua flag and in the brightly-coloured textiles of the traditional clothing.
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| Quechua people selling traditional wares |
Many precious metals and gemstones are also found in Peru so its hardly surprising that jewelry is readily available as well.
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| Handmade Peruvian Earrings from Piruugax |
This style is typical - intricate designs with many wirework parts, a gemstone focal centre and lots of hammered dangles.
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| Handmade Peruvian Earrings from Piruugax |
The curved section seen below the purple stone is also a common feature of Peruvian jewelry - several pieces of flat or twisted wire or sometimes chain, clamped side by side with flat metal strips.
As always for an inspiration topic, I made an Etsy treasury. Many of these items are from Peru, the others are in the same style or just fit the theme. I tried to find brightly coloured items but even so, this treasury doesn't quite represent the vibrance of true Peruvian crafts.
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