Oscar Valencia
(Master Jeweler/ Bahai Ringstone Founder)
Oscar Valencia
Bahai Ringstone Master Jeweler
One of my favorite things about our success is that now we’re able to offer our clients everything that makes their jewelry dreams come true, at prices they can afford. Our production protocol takes the costly, risky steps out of jewelry making, thanks to 21st century technology in CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing). But we reserve all the jewelry-making steps that require artistry and experience for talented human hands.
Starting when I was a very little boy, my uncle – a master jeweler – let me work in his shop after school. At first, I was just pushing a broom; even so, I made sure the floor was perfect, because my job made me feel important. Meanwhile, I fell in love with the beauty of jewels. My uncle taught me everything about gems that my little mind could absorb. I have studied and loved gemstones ever since. I love the glory of a perfectly cut stone. I love the brilliance and fire of a diamond that kicks rainbows of color. And I love the drama of how a perfect setting makes a diamond even more beautiful.
I knew I’d be a jeweler forever. But I couldn’t have known what making jewelry would be like in the 21st century, with an ideal business partner, and in America. If I’d been given a preview, I wouldn’t have believed my life would be like this. Now I have a wonderful wife and three amazing sons. Because I’m privileged to work very hard, I’m able to give my little family everything they need. That’s different from the way I grew up. My young sons love computer games. I look forward to someday teaching them another use for the computer … important in making wonderful jewelry. But whatever they decide to do, I hope they love their professions (and the people they work with) as much as I love mine.
When I was little, I dreamed of growing up to hard work, gorgeous diamond and precious metals to choose from, and the privilege of creating glorious jewelry that brings wonder and joy into a client’s eyes when she sees that her dream has come true. I know what it’s like to have your dreams exceeded. I live it every day.
The Guardian Shoghi Effendi guided the Baha'is for 36yrs (until his death in 1957), He translated many of the writings of Baha'u'llah and Abdu'l-Baha into English, expounded their meanings, encouraged the establishment of local and national Baha'i institutions,and developed the Administrative Order of the Baha'i Faith through the world. He appointed 27 individuals as Hands of the Cause of God with the tasks of promotion and protection of the baha'i Faith.
In the Holy Land, the Guardian's enduring memorial is the magnificent setting he created for the World Centre of the Baha'i Faith. The completion of the Shrine of the Bab was his work as was the construction of the International Baha'i Archives building. It was also Shoghi Effendi who designed and laid out the beautiful gardens at Bahji and on the slopes of Mount Carmel.
