At Veragua, our jewelry is about more than just looking good—it's about sharing a piece of our story. Our newest collection, Aldaba, comes from personal memories and a passion for vintage design. In this blog, we’ll take you through the inspirations, materials, and craftsmanship behind Aldaba, and share why this collection means so much to us and our journey.
The Story Behind Aldaba
Felipe, the designer and owner of Veragua, found inspiration for Aldaba in personal memories and everyday items. The idea came from his mother’s ring with a small hoop and his grandfather’s door knocker, which was a unique piece that left a strong impression on him. These memories led to the creation of the Aldaba collection.
Our previous designs, like the Swann and Nariguera rings, featured thin gold hoops. Those were our initial experiments. With Aldaba, we’ve taken that concept and created pieces that are more substantial and detailed.
Craftsmanship and Materials
At Veragua, quality is our top priority. Every piece in the Aldaba collection is crafted by hand, using traditional techniques that ensure each item is unique. We use sterling silver (.925 purity) and solid-18k-gold. While we could have chosen cheaper gold-plated options, we believe in offering our customers pieces that hold real value. Solid gold not only looks beautiful but also lasts a lifetime. We have never done gold plated, gold filled or vermeil pieces, only solid gold.
We also use lab-grown diamonds in this collection. These diamonds are just as stunning as natural ones but come without the ethical concerns. By choosing lab-grown diamonds, we support sustainable and conflict-free practices.
Knocking on the Right Doors
The Aldaba collection is about more than just jewelry; it's about making a statement and opening new opportunities for Veragua. Felipe got the idea from his grandfather's door knocker, a detail that always stood out to him. This collection reflects our goal to reach new markets, knock on their doors, and showcase the skills and creativity from Costa Rica.
Felipe’s dream has always been to take Veragua beyond Costa Rica. Even though we're from a small country, we have big aspirations. The Aldaba collection is our way of showing that Costa Rican craftsmanship can compete with the best in the world. We want every customer to feel special and know they are getting something truly unique.
Our showroom, designed by Felipe's aunt, a Spanish-Cuban artist and interior designer, has been praised by visitors from all over. People often say that if it were in Paris or New York, it would be a hit. We have never posted images from the inside, so you will have to visit us to see for yourself. With Aldaba, we aim to bring that level of recognition to Veragua, showing that high-quality design can come from our country.
Launching Aldaba in Ibiza was a huge step for us. It marked our first international collection debut and was a dream come true for Felipe. This collection represents his growth as a designer and Veragua's potential to expand. We hope Aldaba and the next collections will help put Costa Rica on the map for artisanal jewelry.
First Impressions
On another note, door knockers, or Aldabas, were a sign of art appreciation: families invested time to find the right door knocker not just to enhance the beauty of their home's entrance but also to make a lasting first impression. This concept translates to wearing one of the Aldaba pieces that you identify with, as it reflects one's admiration for art and personal expression.
Connecting with Our Community
Aldaba is for those who love expressing their individuality and aren't afraid to stand out. It's for our loyal customers who have been with us from the beginning and for new customers looking for something unique. This collection is a natural extension of Veragua, reflecting our distinctive style and commitment to quality.
We’ve always valued the support and feedback from our community. It’s the trust and appreciation from our customers that drive us to create better and bolder designs. With Aldaba, we want to celebrate this. Each piece is made with the same care and attention to detail that our community has come to expect from us. We hope this collection inspires you to express yourself and feel a part of the Veragua.
Looking Forward
At Veragua, we’re always dreaming big. The Aldaba collection is just the beginning. We're excited to keep exploring new materials and designs, pushing our creativity while staying true to our roots. We want to continue using high-quality materials like 18k-solid-gold and lab-grown diamonds, always looking for new ways to improve our techniques and styles. Our commitment to handmade design ensures that every piece remains unique and made with care. We're aiming to grow and reach new markets, sharing the beauty of Costa Rican craftsmanship with more people around the world. We believe in our potential and are excited about what the future holds for Veragua.
A Personal Note from Felipe
Creating Aldaba has been a really personal journey for me. Launching this collection in Ibiza was a dream come true and a big milestone for both me and my team. This collection represents my growth as a designer and our brand's potential to keep on climbing up. It’s a bit scary because it’s our most ambitious work yet, but it's also humbling to see how far we've come. I hope Aldaba helps introduce Veragua to the world, showing that high-quality, handmade designs can come from Costa Rica, and are not just things of the past.
I’m grateful for everyone who has supported us from the start and for those who are just joining us. Your support means everything to me and my team. Explore the Aldaba collection and be part of our story. Let’s knock on new doors together, step out of our comfort zone and see where it takes us.