SUMA CRUZ’s Indico collection represents a manifestation of excellence in Spanish jewellery design and craftsmanship, inspired by the historical and cultural richness of the 18th-century Indian Ocean. This collection stands out not only for its evocative narrative but also for its meticulous manufacturing process that combines traditional techniques with modern innovations.
In 2024, Suma Cruz received the award for the best footwear, jewellery and accessories collection at the 1st Edition of the Spanish Fashion Academy Awards for this collection.
The Inspiration: History and Narrative
"Indico" is a collection inspired by the history of the many adventures and mystical scenes that the waters of the Indian Ocean witnessed during the 18th century, from the endless voyages between Madagascar and Sri Lanka. Pirate life, marine nature, and other treasures of the sea bring our very own Cabinet of Curiosities to life.
The Design: Concept, Creativity, and Innovation
Each piece in the "Indico" collection is designed to capture the essence of the sea and its mysteries. We use fluid and organic shapes to emulate the movement of water and waves, integrating natural elements and figures inspired by marine creatures to create a sense of life and fluidity: galleons, fish, manta rays, lobsters, and mermaids are just some of the wonders.
Craftsmanship and the Manufacturing Process
Working by hand requires precision and vigour, delicacy and strength. Our aim is to transcend the material to turn imagination into objects of value. In the workshop, magic is manifested through the skilled hands of our artisans, who execute each phase of the process with meticulousness and dedication.
Manufacturing Process
Starting from elements directly sourced from nature and using various techniques such as direct metal casting over organic materials, we begin the creation process of certain pieces, like the acacias.
3D modelling and prototyping are crucial steps in our process. We use advanced 3D modelling techniques to visualise each piece in its final form and make precise adjustments before production, ensuring perfection even in the smallest details.
Direct work on the metal at the workbench.
Techniques Used
Forging and Modelling: Using traditional methods to shape metals.
Finishing: Application of patinas and bi-colour plating to add depth and contrast to the pieces.
Assembly: Some pieces in the collection require meticulous manual assembly. We cut the chain in millimetres and hand-twist each element to achieve maximum brilliance and movement in the final result.
Selected Materials
Metals: The jewellery in the "Indico" collection is designed to fit perfectly with the body, using a brass core and various gold platings, bi-colour platings, as well as silver.
Minerals: Labradorite, unakite, rhodonite, aventurine, tiger's eye, ox eye, Amazonian granite, moss agate, and landscape jasper.
Organic Elements: Mother-of-pearl and pearls, selected for their beauty and connection to the marine theme.
The Campaign
Artistic Collaboration
To bring the collection to life, we collaborated with renowned Spanish photographer and filmmaker Eugenio Recuenco, who has captured the essence of the collection through his lens, transporting the viewer to the pirate world of the 18th century.
Visual Style
The detailed and dreamlike style of the photographer has breathed life into photographs that seem to have come straight out of a painting. The fantastical worlds and fairy tales have come to life through the artist's lens, and the resulting campaign takes us through tales of pirates.
The "Indico" collection is a testament to the perfect fusion between artisanal tradition and innovation in jewellery design. Each piece is the result of a meticulous and passionate process that seeks to capture the essence of tales and convey it through the beauty of craftsmanship.
