The Art of handcrafting Fine Jewelry

In the dazzling world of fine jewelry, it’s easy to get lost in the sparkle of beautiful displays. But the real magic happens behind the scenes, where dedication and passion fuel the craftsmanship. For the Martinez family, owners of Nancy’s Jewelry, what started as a modest dream to serve their community has grown into something truly special. Tonight, we delve into the art of handcrafting exquisite jewelry and discover why this family business is a shining example of trust and lasting relationships with their customers. It’s a reminder that the true value of their pieces goes far beyond the glitter. Here’s their story.

 

Sabreena Daly, Reporting

For the past twenty years, Nancy’s Jewelry has been a beloved name, known for its stunning silver and gold pieces. Their displays are filled with beautiful designs that draw in customers looking for the perfect addition to their collection. But, like many of us, customers often overlook the dedication and craftsmanship behind each piece. It all began thirty-five years ago, in 1979, when Jose Martinez first discovered the world of jewelry. After arriving in Belize, he started out as a watch repairman. However, his curiosity soon led him to the intricate art of jewelry making, igniting a passion that would shape his future and the future of Nancy’s Jewelry.

 

Jose Martinez Sr., Co-owner, Nancy’s Jewelry
“The places that used to be in operation in those days, they used to buy and sell; not really manufacture. I saw a big opportunity in that situation there. So I decided to start learning more and open my own jewelry store.”

 

Sabreena Daly

“Tell me about the uniqueness of your job, Mr. Martinez. I think what a lot of people tend to think of when they purchase jewelry is that it’s just there. Not a lot of us think of where it comes from.”

 

Jose Martinez Sr

“Yes. And in my case, I put a lot of effort into whichever piece of jewelry the customer asked me to make for them.”

 

Nancy’s Jewelry is named after Jose Martinez’s muse and inspiration—his beloved wife, Nancy. Over the years, their sons—Jose, Miguel, and Francis—have not only joined the family business but have also become skilled artisans. They’ve grown into the trade, playing a crucial role in keeping their father’s legacy alive and thriving.

 

Jose Martinez Jr., Son
“I actually started the jewelry industry when I was 15. I was still in high school at that time. But what really drew me to the industry was  the appearance, the appeal of gold, um, prior to silver. For What I mean by appeal is gold is a metal that has malleability, workability, durability. It’s, uh, it doesn’t corrode and it’s just such a beautiful color that when compared to any product in the market, you know, it’s second to none. You know, um, the other thing that really brought me into the industry was looking at the time, the effort that my dad put into this and the pride that he really had whenever he made that piece for the, for the customer.”

 

Jewelry is more than adornment—it also symbolizes luxury, love, and style. But in Belize, certain jewelry reflects our rich culture and identity. Iconic pieces like our petaled earrings, Mayan hoops, and braided bangles are treasured symbols of our rich heritage. And what sets them apart is the artistry: each piece, handcrafted with skill and passion, preserves a tradition unique to Belize.

Jose Martinez
“Here in Belize, jewelry is something cultural. A lot of us may overlook it because the younger generation is into modern jewelry; the stones and you know that big flash. But if you take a look at our traditional Belizean bangles, whether it be gold or silver, you can identify that someone is Belizean just by a pair of bangles, no matter where you see them.”

 

Nancy’s Jewelry also blends modern manufacturing techniques with traditional craftsmanship. According to Martinez’s son, these innovations enhance efficiency, streamline production, and reduce time while ensuring that the quality and artistry of each piece remain uncompromised. By blending old-world craftsmanship with modern techniques, the business can keep up with growing demand while still maintaining the unique charm and meticulous attention to detail that make their work so special.

Jose Martinez, Son
“My dad whenever he started in the industry, he started manufacturing strictly by hand. And by hand I mean You start Assemble and finish a product using handmade tools, right? Like your pliers, your hammers, those are the tools you use whenever you’re referring to handmade pieces. Now, from then, which was in the 1980s, when he started in this trade, up until today, the industry has evolved, and we have had to evolve with it in order to keep up with trends. When he started in the industry,  as mentioned, he did hand manufactured jewelry. But throughout this time, we’ve also embraced other methods such as the loss wax casting, which is a very popular method for most of the pieces that you see around. We’ve also embraced the dye striking method. And lately we’ve also come on board with the CAD manufacturing process, which is computer aided design manufacturing. So using either these methods individually or combined, um, We actually mass produce or create that unique piece for the customer.”

 

Every sparkling piece in this jewelry store has a deeper story to tell. While the showroom dazzles with glamor, the real magic happens behind the scenes in the workshop, where skilled craftsmanship brings each piece to life. The Martinez family began with a humble goal of serving their community as jewelers, and they’ve far exceeded that dream with stores nationwide. They owe their success to the trust and strong relationships they’ve built with their customers over the years.

Jose Martinez Sr.
“Well, it represents hard work and effort.  From those days until now. A lot of things happened and it took a lot of sacrifices to be at this point that we are at the moment. but we cannot regret anything, we are  blessed with everything that we have and hopefully my children will continue for generations to come.”

 

Looking on the Bright Side, I’m Sabreena Daly.