By Phillip D. Johnson
The glorious past of the Spanish Empire and jewelry art is reborn in the new collection from Carrera y Carrera, with a campaign fronted by Model and New York City It-Girl, Olivia Palermo. Known as the Golden Age, this era is enshrined as one of the brightest and most fruitful periods of art in Spain; and was a tribute to all the senses, to expression in all the arts, and to the grandeur of a rising empire that for over a century became the center of the art world. Carrera y Carrera has designed four creative lines: Reina, Velazquez, Isabel and Cervantes. Luxury, art, and grace are accurately reflected in these pieces of exquisitely carved works, which is informed by extreme beauty and great personality.
REINA: Accessories with Elegance and Sophistication
An exquisite mix of white and yellow gold with diamonds or of white gold with blue topaz where one can appreciate lightness and movement taking as its inspiration these magnificent collars of lightweight and diaphanous lace used by the queens of this time period.
During this era, the volumes in the collars of clothing known as ruffs were viewed a sign of elegance, distinction, and sophistication. Carrera y Carrera has created rings, earrings, and pendants that well recall these neck ruffs and emulate crowns.
VELÁZQUEZ: Whimsical and Grandiloquent Art
This collection is inspired by the embroidery, fabrics, and colors of Spain’s Golden Age. This touch of color and these brocades can be seen in pieces crafted in yellow or white gold with amethyst presented as grandiloquent and whimsical art. Jewelry with generous volumes and rich decoration where the characteristic and signature Carrera y Carrera matte-gloss effect can be appreciated. Refined and ornate pieces reflect the image-preoccupied culture that existed during this period.
ISABEL: Diamonds in a Starring Role
Diamonds became a source of inspiration and the essential stars of this era due to the fascination they caused. Jewelry in white gold with diamonds and yellow gold with diamonds, perfect for sealing an eternal commitment. Isabel is a romantic collection where gold plays a fundamental role and diamonds give an infinite purity to the pieces.
CERVANTES: Volume and Movement
Cervantes is a collection inspired by the dandy neck ruffs so in fashion during this period of grandeur, as well as by the complex and precise work of the lace cuffs of the clothing at the time. These are great original pieces due to the voluminous and serpentine shapes that represent one of the most identifying symbols of the Spanish Empire. Sculptural jewels of great movement in which all the firm’s savoir-faire is reflected.
Impressive figurative work represented in rings, earrings, and pendants crafted in yellow gold, yellow gold with diamonds, and white gold with diamonds.
PHOTO GALLERY
(Click on thumbnails to enlarge)
Images provided by Carrera y Carrera Madrid