Cristina is known in Rio as a supporter of local NGOs. As such, Cristina and the Archdiocese of Rio are longstanding partners in a fundraising jewelry collaboration for the benefit of the Christ the Redeemer Statue and Sanctuary. This partnership began in 2016 and continues today.
From her atelier with a view of the iconic statue, she approaches the project from a human and symbolic perspective. The triangular shape of her design, known as the Skin of Christ the Redeemer, is a purposeful choice. While from a distance the statue looks like a smooth surface, the skin of the statue is actually formed by numerous triangular pieces of sandstone. Also, in a little-known fact, everyday citizens of Rio were the patrons of the project. During the construction of the statue, builders pasted the names of donors and families on triangular pieces of paper on the sandstone.
These triangles are only visible when viewed very close up. This vantage point is very different from the bird’s eye view we so frequently see. With her insider knowledge of the statue and her continual mission to capture souls in precious form, Cristina’s piece is a unique, profound interpretation of this international icon. In this way, she pays tribute to the people who silently contributed to the creation of the statue.
Today the collection features two versions, both in sterling silver. One shows a version of Christ with open arms and the other a profile of his face, and each one is available in two sizes.