In this jade workshop in Antigua Guatemala, we'll show you how to create a shiny gem with one of the most significant ancestral stones for the Mayans. It'll be a unique experience!
Jade Workshop Details
Ready to become a true artist in jade cutting? We'll meet at the designated time at the Casa Antigua El Jaulón, 4ta Calle Oriente, number 10, in Antigua Guatemala. Here, you'll find the Casa del Jade Museum. Let's start our workshop!
For 2 hours, we'll step into the world of jade, the ancient stone that the Mayans considered more valuable than gold. Did you know they called it the stone of heaven? They believed it to be the bridge between the terrestrial and the spiritual world, which is why many leaders of the Mayan cities used jade as a symbol of power and eternal life.
The class will begin with you selecting the stone from a wide variety of colors: the classic jaguar green, light green, black, lavender, and even sky blue. Which one will you choose? Each color has its history, significance, and energy.
During the experience, you'll learn the ancestral art of handling the stone. First, you'll design the piece you want to create: a necklace, a pendant, a keychain, a fridge magnet, or a bracelet. Then, you'll mark the initial lines and start to cut the stone using diamonds as a tool.
The next step will be giving it a shape. This part requires more patience! You'll discover how jade is not easy to master, but you'll learn the correct technique to do so. Once you have your figure, it will be the moment to polish. You'll see how this opaque stone comes to life and transforms into a shiny gem.
In the final step, you'll make the necessary holes to turn the jade into the accessory of your choice. Once finished, you'll have an authentic piece from Guatemala, made with your very own hands. Of course, you'll get to take your creation home!