After seasons dominated by quiet luxury, there is room again for colour, ornament and grandeur. The new Carrera y Carrera boutique on the P.C. Hooftstraat feels perfectly timed.
Founded in Madrid in 1885, the Spanish jewellery house has a long heritage and a close connection to Spanish culture, royalty and aristocracy. That influence is visible in the jewellery itself, where scale, craftsmanship and ornament take centre stage.The collections are unapologetically opulent. Rich yellow gold, diamonds and intricate detailing define many of the pieces. One pendant in particular catches the eye. A vivid blue stone is combined with a layer of mother-of-pearl on the reverse, creating an unexpected luminosity and depth.
One of my favourites is the New Shanghai Flex Bracelet. At first glance, it appears to be a solid yellow gold cuff. Only when held does its flexibility become apparent. The large dragon’s head and 26 white diamonds make it difficult to overlook.
Carrera y Carrera in Amsterdam
Inside the boutique, ruby red dominates the interior. A fitting colour for a house with deep connections to Spanish history. On a table, two crystal objects recall the silhouette of the Infanta from Diego Velázquez’s Las Meninas, one of the masterpieces of Madrid’s Museo del Prado.
Images courtesy of Carrera y Carrera. Some photographs taken by the author.
Discover more: www.carreraycarrera.com
