Carrera y Carrera Jewelry Guide

Looking for Carrera Y Carrera jewelry? Learn about the history, materials used, jewelry marks, and collectible pieces in this guide.

With a history of serving royalty and high society clients, Carrera y Carrera has earned global recognition as Spain's premier jewelry house. Although the family-owned company closed its doors in 2019, its legacy lives on through the remarkable and vibrant sculptural pieces it produced. Carrera y Carrera's jewelry is a tribute to nature and mythology, featuring intricate designs inspired by animals such as cats, serpents, and elephants. The brand's signature collection, Las Manos, celebrates the beauty and elegance of women's hands.

Carrera Y Carrera Jewelry History

With a legacy stretching back to 1885, Carrera y Carrera is a renowned jewelry brand synonymous with exceptional service and exquisite designs. Established by Saturio Esteban Carrera in Madrid, Spain, the brand has been passed down through generations of skilled jewelers, including Saturio's son, Jose, who imparted his knowledge and skills to his nephews to ensure the legacy continued.

Throughout its history, Carrera y Carrera has had the privilege of designing jewelry for royalty and high society, including a stunning bridal tiara for Fabiola de Mora y Aragon upon her marriage to King Baudouin I of Belgium in 1960. The brand has also contributed pieces to the Spanish crown jewels collection, cementing its reputation as a leading name in the world of luxury jewelry.

In 1965, the first workshop of Carrera y Carrera jewelry was established by Manuel, the great-grandson of Saturio, in the historic center of Madrid. His vision was to create a unique and unparalleled style of jewelry that would captivate the world. This vision became a reality when Manuel showcased his stunning designs at the prestigious Baselworld jewelry and watch exhibition in Switzerland in 1977.

In 1979, Carrera y Carrera expanded their business to the United States by opening a boutique in the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. They extended to Russia in 1994 and opened their first boutique in China in 2013. The company's signature figural designs, particularly the big cats, gained immense popularity during this time, and Carrera y Carrera cemented its place as a leading global jewelry brand.

In 1989, Queen Sofía of Spain was the patron of the presentation of "The Ark of Discovery of the Fifth Centennial" sculpture at the Royal Palace of Madrid. Later it was exhibited in Madrid's City Hall. The company's new facilities opened in San Agustín del Guadalix in 1992, and in 2000, Miriam, Princess of Turnovo, joined the design team.

In 1999, a group of investors took control of the company. The Lladró family later joined and acquired 100% ownership in 2006, for over 15 million euros. During Lladró's ownership, Manuel Carrera, the brand's founder, continued to design for the company. In 2010, Caruli Limited, controlled by a Russian magnate, bought the company. After changing hands, the new owner remodeled the entire management team. Svetlana Kuprianova took over in 2012, with Javier Gala as her deputy.

Bankrupt and heavily in debt all around the world, Carerra y Carrera was fighting with its employees and losing top quality designers and jewelers. In 2019, the company went into judicial liquidation and closed.

Laduchi Consult was approached by Nico Juliany, who aimed to acquire all rights to trade Carrera y Carrera's brand merchandise worldwide without assuming liability for the company's debts and problems. After eighteen months, Nico Juliany acquired the trademark, the rights to merchandise, representation rights in 53 countries (including the U.S.), as well as other trademarks and digital tools, all without paying off the company's debts.

Daniel Calvo, a Spanish designer, currently serves as the principal creative force behind Carrera y Carrera's handmade fine jewelry collections in Madrid. The company is owned by Nico Juliany, S.L.

Carrera y Carrera Jewelry Motifs and Designs

Carrera y Carrera's "Las Manos" collection features a unique and iconic motif - the feminine human hand - which has become a defining element of the brand. Their "Bestiario" collection is equally impressive, featuring exquisite figurative pieces like tiger head rings and serpent necklaces crafted from 18-karat gold. The brand's Romeo and Juliet scenes and Asian-inspired themes are also highly coveted by jewelry enthusiasts.

Signature Collections

• Bambu and Circulos de Fuegos: The Asian influence is evident in Carrera y Carrera's two collections. The Circulos de Fuegos (Circle of Fire) collection features traditional Chinese art, including dragons. The Bambu series showcases bamboo shoots and leaves in various jewelry pieces.
• Seda Imperial: This collection of feminine jewelry boasts a stunning array of diamond-studded floral designs and colorful pieces adorned with intricate floral motifs. The inspiration behind these unique patterns is said to have originated from the renowned Manila shawl. Aptly named "Seda," which translates to "silk" in Spanish, this collection exudes elegance and sophistication.
• Bestiaro: Experience the untamed power of nature's wildest creatures with the Bestiaro collection.
• Sol y Sombra: These whimsical pieces pay tribute to the sun and celebrate the passion, light, and joy of a fulfilling life.
• Círculos de Fuegos: This collection draws inspiration from Asian culture, showcasing a captivating "circle of fire" motif. The pieces feature fierce dragon designs crafted from exquisite precious metals and intricate details.
• Aqua: This exquisite collection by Carrera y Carrera was inspired by the essence of life - water. The pieces seamlessly blend paisley motifs, pointillist textures, and winding shapes to evoke the fluidity of this vital element. The timeless combination of precious metals, diamonds, and semi-precious stones adds to the allure of these stunning creations.

Carrera y Carrera Jewelry Marks

Carrera y Carrera jewelry is easily recognizable by its distinctive logo. The mark, which appears as a conjoined c, e, and a, is stamped into the metal of many pieces. Additionally, the company has used other marks, such as CYC with a fancy script Y, CC, and the complete spelling of Carrera y Carrera. These marks may be accompanied by stamps indicating the gold content and inventory numbers.

How to Spot Fake Carrera Y Carrera Jewelry

Finding a great deal on your favorite piece of jewelry is possible when shopping around, whether online or in-store. However, purchasing from an unauthorized dealer can be risky and may result in receiving a counterfeit item. With the prevalence of fake jewelry on the market, it can take time to ensure authenticity. But there are ways to minimize the risk of buying a fake Carrera y Carrera piece. Following these tips, you can confidently identify a genuine item and avoid being scammed.

1. Quality & Price

To ensure the authenticity of your Carrera y Carrera jewelry, closely examine the intricate details and quality of the piece. Verify that the settings are secure and the stones are of exceptional quality. It's worth noting that Carrera y Carrera exclusively uses 18K gold.

The piece should feel solid and well-constructed all the way through. If the metal shows wear and the color in the worn spot differs from the rest of the piece, it could be gold plated — signs of a counterfeit item.

2. Serial Number & Brand Markings

Pieces will be marked with a Carrera y Carrera stamp. If the gold content is stamped, it will be stamped with 750, not 18K. If the piece is stamped with 18K, this is a red flag of inauthenticity. 

You can call the manufacturer with the serial number to help identify your piece; however, this doesn't nesseccarily mean your piece is not a replica of the original. 

3. Seller & Location

When shopping online, it's essential to exercise caution when dealing with sellers. Without the ability to see the item first-hand, trust in the seller becomes crucial. To help make an informed decision, research the seller's website and policies and read reviews from previous customers. 

Additionally, be cautious of sellers who do not offer a return policy. It's also recommended to investigate the seller's location, particularly if they are based in Asia, where many counterfeit luxury goods originate. Beware of fake or misleading reviews and conduct a thorough investigation before purchasing.

4. Ask a Trusted Jeweler

To ensure that you've made a wise purchase, consider having a trusted jeweler appraise your item if you need clarification on its authenticity. A professional jeweler has the expertise to test the materials and appraise the stones, providing you with a clear understanding of the item's worth. Remember that this service may have a fee, so be prepared. Additionally, it's essential to do your research before choosing a jeweler. Look for reviews and certifications to ensure you work with a reputable professional.

Materials Used in Carrera Y Carrera Jewelry

• 18K Gold 
• Diamonds
• Sapphires
• Emeralds
• Rubies
• Topaz
• Semiprecious Stones

Favorite Collectibles:

After conducting thorough research on both Etsy and eBay, I have curated a selection of exquisite jewelry pieces from reputable shops known for their exceptional quality and authenticity. Rest assured; my recommendations will meet and exceed your expectations.

Vintage Carrera Y Carrera Carved Amethyst Diamond Ruby Mi Musa Frog Link Bracelet

This 18 karat vintage Mi Musa bracelet showcases intricately designed frog-shaped links adorned with amethysts, diamonds, and ruby cabochons. It is secured with a concealed clasp and fold-over safety, and stamped with the maker's mark for Carrera y Carrera. This exquisite piece of jewelry is sure to capture attention.

Carrera y Carrera Ruby Ring

This 18k yellow gold ring from Carrera y Carrera features a marquise-cut ruby and beautiful sculptural designs. It can be worn alone or stacked with other fine jewelry. The band measures 14mm (0.55 inches) and it's a size 5 1/2. The ring is hallmarked "750" for 18k gold and "CyC" for Carrera y Carrera, with a serial number. It's in good condition and hasn't been cleaned to preserve its patina and collector value. Don't miss out on this exquisite piece.

Vintage Carrera y Carrera Las Manos Hand Necklace

This 18K rose gold cocktail ring is a bold piece of jewelry featuring pavé set brown and champagne diamonds throughout the edges of one side. The bubble patterns indicate it is from the Cocco collection. Vintage from before the 2000s.

Carrera Y Carrera Diamond Panther Earrings

These stunning earring feature 0.75 total carats of natural round brilliant cut diamonds with F-H color and VS2 clarity set in 18k white gold. Weighing 11.2 grams and measuring 17.2 x 10.8 mm, they are finished to perfection by professional jewelers and graded by an in-house GIA Graduate Gemologist. The earrings are adorned with stick posts and omega backs and stamped with a 750 CC hallmark.

Carrera Y Carrera Double Horse Head Bangle Bracelet

Get your hands on a rare vintage Carrera Y Carrera Bracelet in 18K yellow gold with a unique matte satin finish. It features genuine round cut diamonds that weigh 0.01 ct, with E-F color and VS1-VS2 clarity. Measuring 19mm in width and 6.5 inches in length, it fits a variety of wrist sizes. It's numbered 92475, bears the Carrera Y Carrera signature, and comes with a professional appraisal. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry.

Carrera y Carrera Diamond Gold Mermaid Starfish Ring

Indulge in the beauty of this authentic Carrera y Carrera ring, fashioned from 18k yellow gold. The exquisite design features a serene mermaid atop a starfish adorned with round flush set diamonds. To ensure a comfortable fit, the ring boasts a slim band. It bears the signature of the revered designer and is stamped with the metal content and serial number. Don't miss the chance to own such a stunning piece of jewelry.

Carrera Y Carrera Mi Princes Russian Crown Ring

This exquisite ring is crafted from 18k yellow gold and boasts a size 6 band. Weighing in at 10.7 grams, it is adorned with 23 brilliant round cut diamonds totaling 0.37 carats, all of VS1 clarity and G color. The ring is also marked with the CYC hallmark and a unique identification number.

Carrera y Carrera Diamond & Ruby Gold Eagle Ring 

Experience the luxury and beauty of Carrera y Carrera with this exquisite 18k yellow gold ring. Adorned with a stunning eagle's head design, the front part of the band features intricately detailed wings with sparkling diamonds and a one point ruby for added elegance. The designer's full logo hallmark, serial number, and metal content authenticate this piece as a true Carrera y Carrera creation. With a size 6 and a weight of 6.7 grams, this ring is a perfect addition to any jewelry collection. 

New! Authentic Carrera Y Carrera Mi Princes Greco Roman Diamond Crown Ring

This 18k yellow gold ring is a stunning piece, featuring a round brilliant cut diamond with VS1 clarity and G color. The total weight of the diamond is approximately 0.25ct. The ring is a size 6.5 and weighs 8.4 grams with a width of 11mm. It is in new condition with tags and comes in the original packaging, including the original box and/or bag, with the hallmarks CYC, 750 for metal content, and serial number. This is a one-of-a-kind piece that is both beautiful and unique.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this article about Carrera Y Carrera jewelry. Let us know in the comments below if you have any questions. 

Happy Vintage Hunting! 
Andrea