Rolando

Rolando lives in Antigua, Guatemala. Rolando has been creating each original handcasted bronze belt buckle for the past 4 years with Ambos Designs. Located in Anitgua, Guatemala, his family owned shop specializes in custom bronze pieces, such as statues and door knobs. Rolando was one of the very first artisans to collaborate with Ambos Designs. We were welcomed to the bronze shop over four years ago, where Rolando was willing and confident to create his first belt buckle. Rolando has continued to be a wonderful and dependable friend since the day we met. Whether introducing us to friends or sharing a cup of coffee, our time shared is always valuable.

The process of creating bronze  buckles begins with the gathering of earth from the Guatemalan mountains to create a composite mixture for the moulds. Through a process of pressing and heating the mixture around wooden carvings of our designs, Rolando creates molds into which the lava-like bronze is poured. The bronze was left to set for a few days until each buckle is ready to be individually cleaned and polished. Rolando and his family take great pride in their work and have been successful in supporting their family through their work.