Honoring Our Workshop Team: The Artisans Behind Every VSA Piece

At Virgins Saints & Angels, we are proud of our workshop team, whose talent, dedication, and love for their craft bring each of our designs to life. 

Today, we celebrate two of our cherished artisans, Antonio and Mari Cruz, whose unique talents and heartfelt dedication make our jewelry—and our workshop—a special place.

Antonio, Our Master of Metal (AKA El Crazy)

Antonio, known affectionately as "El Crazy," is a legend in the world of jewelry making, with a career spanning 35 years—24 of them with VSA. Specializing in handcrafted metal elements, Antonio is a master craftsman who turns visions into reality with extraordinary skill. His creations aren’t just beautiful; they carry the weight of his expertise and creativity. Often, I turn to him for original samples of new designs, knowing he’ll bring fresh ideas and refinements to each piece. Antonio's commitment to quality and his intuitive artistry elevate every design, making him indispensable to our team.

For Antonio, working with VSA is a “dream come true.” A ranchero at heart, he finds joy not only in his art but also on his ranch outside San Miguel, where he rides horses and grows his own vegetables. Antonio’s green thumb spills over into the workshop, where he cares for our plants, scattering seeds that have yielded surprise patches of corn, tomatoes, sunflowers, and zucchini blossoms. Antonio’s talent and warmth have made him a treasured part of our VSA family.

Mari Cruz, Our Bead Assembly Expert

With six years of dedicated service, Mari Cruz is our resident bead assembly expert. Known for her speed and accuracy, she can complete a Magdalena necklace in under 10 minutes—an impressive feat that no one else in the workshop can match. 

Mari Cruz came to VSA without prior experience, yet her natural talent with beads was evident from day one. Her love for beadwork is apparent in every piece she creates, and she lights up with pride when shown photos of celebrities like Lady Gaga wearing a necklace she assembled. “I touched that piece!” she’ll exclaim, and her joy is infectious.

Three years ago, Mari Cruz blessed our workshop with the birth of her son, little Juan, who became our unofficial “good luck charm.” We were overjoyed when she brought him to the workshop during those first few months. Despite her one-hour commute from her ranch home, Mari Cruz finds great satisfaction in her work at VSA, calling the journey a small price for the fulfillment she experiences.

Celebrating the Heart of VSA

Antonio and Mari Cruz are more than skilled artisans—they are the heart of our workshop. Their dedication, artistry, and joy infuse each piece with a story, a soul, and a bit of magic. As we honor their contributions, we also celebrate the passion and craftsmanship they bring to our team, reminding us every day of the beauty in handmade art. Here’s to Antonio, Mari Cruz, and all the artisans who make VSA jewelry a true labor of love.

Stay tuned for upcoming blogs, where we’ll introduce more of our talented workshop team! Each member brings unique skills and passion to VSA, making every piece of jewelry a masterpiece with a story to tell.

We can’t wait for you to meet them all!