Our Story
Every piece of jewellery has a beginning. So does ours.
Our journey began over four decades ago in Pereira, Colombia, in a small workshop at my parents' home. At just fifteen years old, my father encouraged me to follow the path of traditional jewellery making and entrusted my training to one of the city's most respected master jewellers. It was there that I discovered not only the techniques of the craft, but the patience, precision and respect that true craftsmanship demands.
As the years passed, my passion for creating jewellery by hand continued to grow. Meeting my wife transformed not only my life but also the way we understood jewellery. Together, we began designing pieces with deeper meaning—jewellery created not simply to be worn, but to celebrate memories, love and the moments that define a lifetime.
Our family's journey led us from Colombia to Spain, where we opened our first European workshop in Cartagena before moving to Almería. It was there that our children grew up surrounded by the workshop, learning to appreciate the value of craftsmanship, creativity and the rich cultural heritage that continues to inspire our designs.
In 2009, we brought our family workshop to London, establishing Dorado Jewellery with the same principles that had guided us from the beginning. Over time, we expanded our workshop, earning the trust of both private clients and fellow jewellers. Yet we realised our true purpose was never simply to make more jewellery—it was to create pieces with meaning, restore treasured family heirlooms and guide our clients through life's most important moments with honesty and genuine care.
Today, from our workshop in Brixton, we continue to combine traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques, creating bespoke jewellery, restoring precious memories and welcoming every client as part of our extended family. Because to us, jewellery is never just an object—it is a story, a legacy and a bond between generations.
Dorado Jewellery was born in Colombia, refined in Spain, and found its home in London.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
A duality of innovation and tradition
OUR PHILOSOPHY
This photograph was taken by our son, Jerry, during one of our family journeys through the coffee region of Quindío, Colombia. He was only sixteen years old at the time, already discovering the beauty of everyday moments through his camera. Today, he has grown into a remarkable artist, but this image remains one of our favourites.
It captures Isra and our daughter, Valentina, harvesting plantains among coffee plantations, surrounded by the landscape that shaped our family and our values. These mountains, colours and traditions are part of who we are.
Our jewellery is rooted in those same values. We believe every piece should be made with honesty, patience and genuine care, carrying not only beauty but also emotion and meaning.
From our workshop in London, we continue to honour those origins, creating and restoring jewellery that celebrates life's most precious moments. Every piece we make is crafted with respect, guided by tradition and inspired by the hope of bringing lasting happiness to the people who wear it.
Photographed by our son Jerry during a family journey through Quindío, Colombia (2016). A quiet moment that reminds us where our story began
OUR ORIGINS
Influenced by his carpenter father, had an early interest in construction, machinery and technology. In his teenage years, he developed an eye for jewellery before he even visited a workshop. Yuly always focused on the beauty of both jewellery and natural materials in Colombia -- even as a child, she applied these in practical ways by making jewellery out of a autochthonous fruit named Guanabana and planting leaves. The country’s biodiversity was always at the core of her inspiration and pride.
A family friend who worked in the field spotted Isra’s taste and eventually became his mentor and guide in the trade from the age of 14. Over the years, Isra was taught the technicalities of the craft and honed his skills in a small workshop that his father constructed in his loft. With a strong desire to push himself further, Isra leapt and relocated to the US in 1990. He began working his way up from cleaning blinds to working in the Bronx, eventually becoming a goldsmith in 47th street: Manhattan’s heart of the industry. There, he adopted design and manufacturing standards unseen in his hometown.
THE TURNING POINT
A duality of innovation and tradition
With his newfound technical expertise and expanded taste, Israel returned to Pereira in 1993 and established his first quality jewellery and workshop. Due to Israel’s demand for higher quality manufacturing, and difficulty sourcing specialised machinery, he would occasionally construct makeshift equipment himself--a testament to his innovative drive. It was at this stage when the duo first met by chance in their neighbourhood--they would eventually complement each others practice by exchanging technical knowledge and interest in Pre-Columbian crafts.
The workshop’s growth gradually caught the attention and trust of higher profile clients. Their style intertwined and evolved, resulting in denser, solid quality jewellery, with the a natural and delicate touch. Israel drives for innovation and his US influence, merged with Yulfari’s passion for the autochthonous nature of Colombia, along with their successive practice in Spain, gave birth to a brand grounded with one of the foot in the future, and one in the past.
OUR NAME
The name is inspired by Colombian indigenous culture and the myth of El Dorado, thought to be a lost city of gold in Colombia. The legend led to countless unsuccessful expeditions, one of which led to the discovery of the Amazon river. The relentless resilience of nomadic generations in search of a historic myth resembles our essence of exploration and tradition, while homaging pre-Columbian cultures and their craft.