Have you ever dreamed of visiting a country that combines breathtaking nature and immense cultural wealth with your passion for jewelry? Gold: The Golden History of Peru is a tailor-made travel experience designed exclusively for you. This itinerary, set in the heart of one of South America’s most mysterious jewelry traditions, has been created by Carole Fraresso, an international specialist in Andean goldsmithing, and Sandrine Merle, founder of The French Jewelry Post.
Gold Ear Ornaments from the Mochica and Lambayeque Cultures, 100 to 1300 A.D., Museo MAP, Cusco. ©Museo Larco de Lima, Peru.
A Journey Through Jewelry
This jewelry itinerary takes you from the northern Pacific coast of Peru, where the golden history of this cradle of civilization is shaped, to the majestic heights of the Andes Mountains, where the identity of the Inca people is rooted and the legendary tale of El Dorado unfolds.
Funerary Ornaments of the Lady of Cao on display at the Museo Cao, Peru. ©Carole Fraresso.
For 11 days, accompanied by Carole Fraresso and Sandrine Merle, you will explore the country’s most iconic jewelry collections and discover the unique features of these archaeological jewels that have miraculously escaped plunder. Gold and colored alloys, silver, copper, and gilded copper: the technical and symbolic decoding of sumptuous headdresses, nose ornaments, and imposing breastplates and gemstone necklaces immerses you in 3,000 years of history of a legendary jewelry craft that fell into oblivion amidst the turmoil of the 16th century.
Unprecedented, this jewelry journey, scheduled for the All Saints' Day holiday, is aimed at both professionals passionate about the history of jewelry and gemstones and the general public seeking discovery.
Bracelet made of gold and turquoise beads from the Lord of Sipan. ©Carole Fraresso.
Crown, Earrings, Nose Ornament and Silver Pectoral of a Chimu Lord. ©Museo Larco de Lima, Peru.
Bimetallic nose ornament in gold and silver, MocheCulture. ©Museo Cao, Peru.
Necklaces made of polished rock crystal and Spondylus shells, Moche Culture. ©Museo Larco of Lima, Peru.
"This journey is designed to be both educational, sensory, and enchanting", emphasizes Carole Fraresso.
The (Re)Discovery of a Jewelry Heritage
Between land, sea, and mountains, you will traverse landscapes with breathtaking ecosystems to uncover the richness of Peru's artisanal and cultural heritage. In Cusco, Carole will take you to meet a family dynasty of artisans who carry on the tradition of silver jewelry and colorful gemstones from the Andes. In Lima, you will have the privilege of an exclusive exchange with Armando Castillo and discover the work of this remarkable goldsmith. He rediscover the sensory properties of jewelry through the ancient techniques of Mochica goldsmiths. These encounters are complemented by visits to prestigious Peruvian museums and exceptional archaeological sites such as Machu Picchu and the royal tomb of the Lord of Sipán, considered the Tutankhamun of South America.
Traditional Workshop of the Cachi Family, in Cusco. ©Mincetur
Colonial-Inspired Silver Brooch Featuring a Hand and Peacock. ©Joyas Cachi
Master Goldsmith of the Motché Workshop, Dedicated to Preserving Pre-Columbian Jewelry Heritage.
Vicus Earrings in Recycled 18K Gold. Larco Collection. ©Maison Motché
A Unique Expertise
This exceptional journey to discover the fascinating jewelry history of Peru will be led by Carole Fraresso, an international expert in Andean goldsmithing. Passionate about history, craftsmanship, and Latin America, Carole developed a deep interest in Andean civilizations and their unique relationships with metal adornment from an early age.
After earning her Master's in Archaeomaterials, she joined the Research Laboratory on Archaeomaterials in Bordeaux and the French Institute of Andean Studies in Lima in 2002, where she conducted "technological investigations" for ten years to recover the knowledge and mindsets of the long-gone goldsmiths of ancient Peru.
As the founder of Motché, dedicated to the recovery and preservation of Andean jewelry heritage, Carole Fraresso is also an associate researcher at the Larco Museum in Lima and a member of the Scientific Council of the École des Arts Joailliers, supported by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Carole Fraresso photographed by Thierry Joubert.
From October 22 to November 2, 2024, embark on a jewelry odyssey in Peru. Explore the cultural and natural treasures inscribed in the heritage of humanity, savor the flavors of Peruvian cuisine, and enjoy the charm of renowned hotels, where the art of warm hospitality is a true tradition.
Are you interested? Contact our specialized advisors now and let them assist you in planning your exceptional stay in Peru, whether for a family vacation, a trip with friends, or a business journey.
RESERVATIONS UNTIL MAI 5, 2024 : CONTACT@MOTCHE.COM
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