Hi there, I'm Carol!
I was born on June 2nd, 1970 in Santiago de Chile and at the age of three, my family relocated to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Growing up, I had the privilege of learning the art of jewelry-making from my father, Mario Zarate, a multi-talented individual who excelled as a gemstone carver, gemologist, jeweler, and even a guitarist. It was through him that I developed a deep appreciation for gemstones, semi-precious stones, minerals, and even fossils, recognizing their unique and intriguing characteristics.
In 1988, I embarked on my formal jewelry studies at the renowned "National School of Jewelry" in Buenos Aires. During this time, I also had the incredible opportunity to receive private lessons from Edgar Michaelsen, who was not only my father's teacher but also an exceptional mentor to me. Under Edgar's guidance, I delved into the intricate art of chiseling, learning to observe nature's minute details and drawing inspiration from them. Hours were spent meticulously studying leaves, understanding their graceful lines, and then skillfully replicating them in gold, silver, or copper using a hammer and chisel. Through Edgar's teachings, I realized the profound truth that "Nature is the best designer." This transformative period spanned over three and a half years, opening the doors to a wondrous world of boundless creativity and new artistic expressions.
In 1992, I began sharing my knowledge and passion for jewelry-making by teaching classes at Diana Yoffe's school, known as "CEJ" (an acronym in Spanish). Before long, I established my own private studio and started mentoring my own students, passing on the skills and techniques I had acquired over the years. Teaching became an integral part of my journey, allowing me to contribute to the next generation of jewelry artisans while continuously expanding my own artistic horizons.
In 1997, I embarked on a new chapter of my life by moving to Haifa, Israel. Adjusting to a new country came with its own challenges, including learning the Hebrew language and finding my place in this "promised land."
Once settled in Israel, I had the opportunity to work in a fine jewelry studio, where I honed my skills with yellow and white gold, white and black pearls, and diamonds. This invaluable experience exposed me to various techniques and the hidden secrets of jewelry making, further enriching my craft.
During weekends, I frequented the Craft Fair in Zichron Yaakov, a charming city located 22 miles from Haifa. It was there that I met Susi Gabbai, who became my first student in Israel. To my delight, I began teaching classes in Hebrew, immersing myself in the local culture while sharing my passion for jewelry-making.
For several years, I actively participated in exhibitions that brought together individuals from Jewish, Christian, and Arab communities—a beautiful celebration known as the "Party of the Parties" (החג של החגים).
I also had the privilege of showcasing my work in individual and group exhibitions across Israel and various European countries. As part of a collective of craftsmen and jewelers in Israel, an opportunity arose when a fellow colleague, who was retiring, offered me the chance to take over her Gallery of Jewels. In 2001, with a sense of excitement and anticipation, I opened my own gallery and studio in Haifa.
From the time of its opening until 2011, my classes welcomed a remarkable total of 314 students. Many of them have gone on to establish their own studios and teach classes not only in Israel but also in other parts of Europe, a testament to the enduring impact of our shared passion.
In 2013, my journey led me to Palo Alto, CA, in the United States. Here, I established my studio and continued teaching jewelry classes, imparting my knowledge and guiding others on their own creative paths. Alongside teaching, I embarked on creating my own collection of jewelry, known as "IncaroseJewelry." Each piece is crafted with the same dedication and enthusiasm I had from the very first day, aiming to connect with the unique style and desires of my clients.
As I continue to pursue my artistic endeavors, I hold onto the wisdom expressed by Picasso: "Inspiration will find me working." It is with this profound trust that I approach each day, eagerly anticipating the creative sparks that will ignite my craft and resonate with those who appreciate the beauty of handmade jewelry.