In the vast natural and cultural wealth that Peru has, the Andean opal shines with its own light as a precious stone of extraordinary beauty and symbolism. Also known as blue opal, this is a gem valued internationally, costing up to five times more abroad than within Peru.
This mineral, characterized by its blue-green tones, is still unknown and undervalued as a national gemstone by a large part of the population. However, it is not only a jewel for the international market, but also a symbol of identity and pride for Peruvians, which reflects the richness and diversity of our heritage.
Unlike other gemstones, Andean opal has an intimate link with the ancestral cultures of the Andes, where protective properties and spiritual connection were attributed to it. Claiming the Andean opal as a symbol stone of Peru is recognizing the history, worldview and creativity of the people who have venerated and worked on it for centuries as a national heritage.
In an effort to highlight this unique gem, the Peruvian sustainable jewelry brand Imelda de Val joins Volvo to promote the “Sacred Luxury” initiative, which aims to position the Andean opal as the flag stone of our country, promoting its use not only as an accessory, but also as an emblem of our heritage and national pride.
Acari Destination: Andean Opal Paradise
This initiative begins with a trip to Acari, a district of the Caravelí province in the Arequipa region, where the Andean opal deposit is located. This journey is documented, making this place and the wonderful landscapes that surround it known with the aim of connecting each Peruvian with their roots.
Volvo, in turn, allows you to make this a safe and comfortable trip through a high-end vehicle that crosses various terrains on a route of more than 8 hours and 564km. from Lima to Acari. This is a joint effort that aims to position Peru on the global map of luxury jewelry, in an industry in which authenticity and sustainability are increasingly valued.
In addition to the positive impact on the country’s economy, the valorization of Andean opal as a flag stone is an essential step to strengthen national identity and an act of cultural empowerment, which allows local mining communities and artisans to share their legacy and his art.
Gastronomy and goldsmithing: a tribute to the Moche culture
With the purpose of recognizing and disseminating the value of the Andean opal as the national stone of Peru, Imelda de Val also joins forces with the renowned chef Héctor Solis in “Lujo Sagrado”, an initiative that fuses art, culture and gastronomy.
Inspired by the skill of the Mochica culture, recognized for its excellence in goldsmithing, “Lujo Sagrado” presents a special dish within the menu of the Fiesta restaurant created in honor of this civilization, exalting both ancestral talent and the richness of our resources. natural.
This unique dish, which will be an essential part of the campaign to promote Andean opal, is made with emblematic ingredients of Peru: duck, maca and Andean tubers, products that represent the diversity and richness of our lands and that, despite their uniqueness , are still undervalued nationally and internationally.
This joint initiative not only seeks to promote the recognition of Andean opal in Peru, but also to inspire a sense of cultural pride in the population. Through an innovative approach that unites jewelry and gastronomy, “Sacred Luxury” invites Peruvians to discover and value the heritage that defines us as a nation and to recognize the uniqueness of our Andean stones and products.
