About Novica

NOVICA.com was founded twelve years ago as an online, fair-trade marketplace based in Los Angeles, with offices in eight regions throughout the world.  We feature more than 30,000 limited edition and one-of-a-kind handmade works of art daily, ranging from artisan-crafted jewelry to handmade apparel to world-style home decor.  So far we have succeeded in helping to change the lives of more than 50,000 people in developing nations, including artisans and their dependents, uniquely helping each artisan earn personal recognition and real-world prices for their work.

About the Artist of this piece

Odette Sierra is from the beautiful Mexican state of Puebla. Her father Edgar Sierra first opened their workshop 30 years ago.

Odette Sierra is from the beautiful Mexican state of Puebla. Her father Edgar Sierra first opened their workshop 30 years ago. Their town is renowned throughout Mexico for its carvings in onyx and marble. Submerged in this artistic heritage, the Sierras began crafting parquet tables in onyx and marble. During the history of their workshop they have come to perfect the fabrication of innumerable items, including chess sets, game sets, vases, sculptures, bathroom fixtures, and jewelry boxes. The principal materials of the Sierra Family, onyx and marble, are mined in the Mexican states of Puebla and Oaxaca. A diamond disk is used to sculpt the stone, accompanied by large quantities of water. Once the desired shape is achieved the artisans finish the surface with emery board and a polisher. The art of sculpting marble and onyx demands patience and virtue, both of which have been cultivated over time in the Sierra Family workshop.

I love unique products and wow! This Chinese Checkers Game Set is absolutely gorgeous! First off, this arrived very well packaged so there were no flaws or damage done during the shipping process. When it arrived, I was in awe of the amazing quality and craftsman ship of this item. I mean you can feel a very nice quality weight to the game that really just makes it stand out in comparison to other similar games. The playing board is created from selected pieces of sectioned marble and onyx slabs. First they are cut with a diamond disk. At this stage, the disk is cooled with water so that the stone will not shatter. The design is then perfected with files before the pieces are polished to a glowing sheen. Between it`s unique design and smooth marble top, this is certainly a great piece to add to your home whether it`s for decoration purpose or playing purpose, either option, this game set will serve you well. It`s also an excellent give idea. If I had the option to make any recommendations; I would suggest including a storage bag for the playing pieces for storage while not in use. The little ziplock baggies they come in are very delicate and mine both ripped when I was opening them; making them useless for re-storing them. Of course, that`s just a minor little thing. Aside from that, this is an amazing product with amazing details and high quality work. Highly recommended!