Maurice has had a love for beautiful gems ever since he was a child working at his father’s jewelry store in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As a teenager and young adult, Maurice pursued his passion for creating beautiful jewelry. When he and his family moved to Santa Barbara in 2006, he had to find a new job to provide for his family. For two years, Maurice drove limousines in order to earn an income, but the job did not bring him the same joy or the freedom to spend time with his family that jewelry making did. In 2009, Maurice took a risk and quit his job as a limousine driver to enroll in WEV’s SET course and focus on his own business full-time. After graduating , Maurice went on to start MM Moreno & Son, Inc., which provides uniquely designed, high quality Brazilian colored gemstone jewelry. Owning his own business has helped him achieve a lifestyle and income that bring together his passion for gems and love for his family.
Photography courtesy of Maria Carreras Photography.