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The
history of Joias de Coco e Ouro
DIAMANTINA - CULTURAL PATRIMONY OF THE HUMANITY
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The artistic gift of the goldsmiths from Diamantina appeared in the end
of the 17th century. At that time the Brazilian craftsman had to work
in secret hideouts so that the Portuguese Crown would not confiscate all
their gold. Around the years of 1719 and 1751 an order to expel all the
goldsmiths from the Arraial do Tijuco and close all the gold shops was
issued by the Crown. In the mean time diamonds were discovered in the
same mines where the gold was extracted. Since the mining of diamonds
was much more profitable than the mining of precious metals, this became
the main economic attraction and eventually gave Arraial do Tijuco it's
current name of Diamantina.
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In 1832, a serious lack of rain forced the governor João Pinto Carlos distribute
many of the mines to the people as a way to brighten up the situation of
the starving miners. This fact helped to start a new era of prosperity for
the gold shops in Diamantina. The economic growth of the region affected
the businesses of the Portuguese goldsmiths who were, at some point in time,
forced to migrate to Brazil. These masters of the art moved mainly to Diamantina
where they eventually taught their skills to others. |
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Today, Victor, amongst other goldsmiths, is still producing beautiful works
of art based on the knowledge brought by the Portuguese masters. The Trancelim,
for example, is a chain made of 4, or more, thin gold wires interlaced according
to the principles of the crochet, which result in marvelous bracelets and
necklaces. The Filigrana, which is also composed of gold wires sewed together,
requires a lot of time and patience from a skilful craftsman who is able
to turn the rough metal into earrings and other beautiful works of art. |
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In the long run, the need for original jewels grew higher and higher and
the creative Brazilian goldsmiths came up with the jewels made up of coconut
and gold. The idea was to give life to the coconut shell from Bahia carving
it and enriching the piece with works in gold. This concept became an instant
success and still has great demand in our days. Almost half a century of
love and dedication to this craft has put me close to perfection on the
art of manufacturing with Coconut and Gold.
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