For Nicolás Estrada, it is essential to offer new perspectives on humanity and human sensibility through the medium of jewelry. His pieces do not directly address social issues but instead present what he calls a “pure and clear gaze,” inviting viewers to connect with their own emotions.

His 99 Rings collection, created during the 99-day quarantine in Barcelona, exemplifies this approach. Crafted from humble materials found at home — copper, brass, wood, and simple tools — the rings chronicle the emotional journey of confinement, transforming a period of challenge into a tangible, intimate expression.

Estrada’s approach to jewelry-making is defined by tireless research and a pursuit of balance and perfection. His training spans a wide range of techniques, from gemology and stone setting to traditional Berber jewelry and filigree.

Born in Medellín, Colombia, in 1972, Estrada discovered his passion for jewelry after moving to Barcelona, following an early career in marketing. He studied at Barcelona’s Llotja and Massana schools, later completing master’s-level studies in gemstone carving and jewelry design at the University of Trier in Germany.

“I decided to begin shaping my feelings and to use my craft as a way of processing reality — as I have always done in my work,” Estrada reflects on the origins of the 99 Rings collection. “I didn’t plan or design much at first. I simply felt compelled to spend my time, move my hands, and meditate through the materials.”