About Altiplano

As a young artist and anthropology student, Altiplano’s designer Shari Zarin, got her start making beaded jewelry for sale and trade. Her interest in people, culture and artistic expression lead her on a path of extensive travel, exploring diversity and the many threads that weave us together. With a shared sense of wanderlust, the husband and wife team, John von Wodtke and Shari Zarin are joined by many hands to bring you the Altiplano collection. They are based in southern Vermont and Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. The cornerstone of Altiplano has always been the strong relationships forged through time. Shari is especially inspired by the handmade process, and by the culture and tradition of women creating together. She brings a fresh perspective to her designs by pairing a modern aesthetic with traditional craft. “I strive to inspire and reflect beauty through items of personal adornment. The magic begins in Guatemala where my designs are lovingly crafted by the Mayan people, working together to create beautiful things and a future for their families. Each piece has a unique journey to being ultimately chosen by the wearer as a creative form of self expression, it’s here, that the magic takes on new meaning. It’s a whole beautiful story” Altiplano is grateful for the opportunity to bring fair wage, long term employment to Guatemala for 30 years! In addition, their continued partnerships in the region support education, family nutrition, and the environment.Read their story