Mochima is a National Park located on the northeastern coast of Venezuela that includes the marine coastal area of Mochima Bay, the Gulf of Santa Fe and a mountainous area that covers the Turimiquire Dam. A place with such a contrasting and astonishing natural beauty.

The colours and happiness of the Venezuelan Caribbean, its people, natural beauty and traditions. A way of life that I enjoyed for many years.

Those years of my life felt like a break, like a holiday even though we were going through deep changes as individuals and as citizens. First time mother, turbulent and dangerous political times, moving in between cities to find a job. A period which ended with the big decision of leaving Venezuela. A very hard and painful decision for me and my family.

For sure, this period tested us many times and today when I look back, I see how it helped us to build our resilience for what was coming, to become an immigrant. From that time I keep the good and let go the bad to be able to move forward with so many lessons learnt.

This collection is the reflection of the simplicity, happiness, love and natural beauty that I enjoyed while living in the Anzoátegui State - Venezuela.

Road trips to the many beaches in the area, boat rides to get to small islands, early motherhood, weekends spent with family surrounded by the most astonishing natural beauty.

Beaches with huge palm trees and dense vegetation surrounded by mountains. Clear waters. An extraordinary natural beauty that always got to fill my heart.

This collection has allowed me to go back and explore those happy memories while looking at our family pictures during those years. I always find it fantastic to look back with different eyes and remember my life during that period of time. Once more, Alijuna allows me to connect with my roots and to remember where I come from to never forget how blessed I have been!

At the shores of the Venezuelan Caribbean you encounter many vendors selling jewelry, specially necklaces, bracelets and anklets made by them. Such an artisanal and beautiful work that I always enjoyed and supported. I still keep and wear many of those pieces.

The bracelets and necklaces of our new Mochima Collection are a simple and elegant version of beautiful jewelry at the beach and of course, with the Alijuna style.

Gorgeous semiprecious gemstones with a curated colour palette that is a mirror of the colours found in those places that inspired me to create this collection and also those of the deep emotions that I felt during that time of my life.

With this collection we are introducing sterling silver to our work which mixed with the semiprecious gemstones creates beautiful and unique pieces.

A collection inspired in nature and happy times; pieces that carry great and positive emotions knowing that they will be part of your story, part of your daily life or gifts for someone special.

I invite you to wear Alijuna like the final touch to elevate your outfit and to feel the emotions of wearing something so unique and authentic in a way to express your individuality. Feel the story that every piece carries and be ready to create yours.

With all my love and care for detail I hope you enjoy this collection as much as I do.

100% made by my hands in Calgary with high quality material from around the world.

Thank you for being here!

Carolina

Picture: Mochima National Park by Karl Weidmann