SUAREZ: FROM SPAIN TO MEXICO
Kevin Gorian
All images by KEVIN Gorian.
Jewelry additional information by NATALIA de Suárez.
If I told you right now that these six letters, "SUAREZ," are synonymous with words like "tradition," "exclusivity," "craftsmanship," or "luxury," you might dash to a dictionary or Google to confirm that neither the Cambridge Dictionary nor any other dictionary recognizes such definitions. And of course, you'd be right. However, allow me a few paragraphs to convince you that "SUAREZ" truly embodies these terms and so many more—standing for the beauty and perfection that define the most exquisite craftsmanship.
Our story begins with D. Emiliano Suárez Faffian, a man who decided to open a small 20-square-meter shop on Jardines Street No. 11 in Bilbao. Without lofty ambitions (or so this humble narrator believes), Emiliano’s family project gradually gained strength and renown, expanding first to Ercilla Street No. 25 and later to Correo Street No. 21.
A tragic accident took the lives of Mr. Suárez and his wife Sara, but the brand was not left adrift. SUAREZ fell into the capable hands of their sons, Benito and Emiliano, two visionaries who led the brand into new heights. They oversaw the opening of the jewelry house in Madrid and another on Gran Vía in Bilbao, securing none other than Sofia of Habsburg, Archduchess of Austria, as one of their first ambassadors. This laid the foundation for a legacy that continues to resonate today.
Over the course of its history and three generations, SUAREZ has been part of some of Spain's most significant moments. For instance, it was the chosen jeweler for SS.AA.RR. the Princes of Asturias, now Their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain, for their engagement rings—a pretty impressive line on the CV, wouldn’t you say?
SUAREZ stands out in the jewelry industry thanks to its enviable craftsmanship and rigorous selection process for raw materials. Only the most extraordinary stones on the market make it into their designs. Whether selecting gemstones with a specific collection in mind or hunting for rare treasures, most of what they encounter doesn’t meet their quality standards. Only the very best make it to their workshops, destined to dazzle and endure in the lives and memories of their clients. To illustrate with numbers, 99.5% of the diamonds SUAREZ evaluates are rejected, with only the finest making it into their collections.
From necklaces and rings to watches and bracelets crafted with the Big Three (blue sapphire, emerald, and ruby), SUAREZ has also built meaningful partnerships, such as its alliance with the Fundación Aladina. Since 1943, SUAREZ has honored its commitment to craftsmanship by accompanying human stories and celebrating moments that will stay with us forever.
Pearls are another hallmark of SUAREZ: icons of incomparable color and size, ranging from Australian whites to Tahitian and Akoya pearls. Each of these small spheres encapsulates the true meaning of natural beauty, a cornerstone of SUAREZ’s creative process.
Now, SUAREZ is beginning its expansion into Mexico. This week, the brand hosted its first event, inviting media and distinguished guests to experience their incredible work up close. With these early steps in our country, we can only wait to see what surprises this brand synonymous with "tradition," "exclusivity," "craftsmanship," and "luxury" has in store.