Jorge Monares has been working as an artisan for over 25 years. He began with the help of his father. Soon, Jorge and his father were working side by side in his father’s workshop. When Jorge was older, he started his own family and workshop where he produces a wide variety of products. He works with copper and bronze, shaping it by hand. Jorge creates colonial pieces as well as modern designs. Some of his most popular items are antique-style jewelry.

Copper handicrafts have a special importance in Chile, given that the country is one of the most important copper exporters in the world. Using copper in art and jewelry is a traditional technique that has been around for centuries. While these techniques are deeply rooted in tradition it is also a versatile craft that is easily adapted to modern styles.

Jorge's collaboration with a fair trade organisation in Chile started over 10 years ago. The fair trade organisation helps their artisans including Jorge with information on the latest trends and demands of modern consumers. Jorge has attended seminaries organized by the fair trade organisation gaining a greater understanding of fashion trends in North American markets. Jorge enjoys the challenge of keeping up with the latest trends and finds it inspires his creativity.

Jorge's workshop is in a room in the back of his home in a community close to the center of Santiago. The production process starts with cutting the copper sheets, followed by using various tools to shape and give the metal texture and other fine details to form the final design of the pieces. His wife helps him as well as his sons when there is a lot of work to do.

Although Jorge's work is very popular, he is often unsure of what future orders will be, causing some uncertainty during slow periods. Jorge estimates that 85-90% of his products are exported abroad, in a great part due to the work with fair trade.

Jorge's major project for the future is to further develop his technique and jewelry-making production. He is interested in experimenting with new colors and textures created in working with metals. As an experienced artisan with finely detailed and refined work, customers are always pleased with the level of quality while at the same time appreciating the hand-crafted nature.