ALBERTO PARADA

Named a National Historic Site by Congress 48-years ago, the New York-based homestead of the late, former President Theodore Roosevelt, Sagamore Hill, still contains original furnishings.

New York is also the birthplace of featured jewelry designer Alberto Parada.

Currently based in Washington, D.C., with an ancestral home in South America, Parada’s design aesthetic incorporates Western sensibilities paired with a hint of South American flair.

In 1999, at age 31, having worked with various D.C. jewelers as both appraiser and buyer, Parada cut out his own niche in D.C.’s jewelry district. His interest was to design classic, elegant jewelry pieces for “everyday” wear.

Parada’s interest in producing sustainable, environmentally conscious jewelry through sourcing conflict-free diamonds, fair trade gemstones and using 100% recycled 18-karat gold solidified his reputation as a “green designer.”



His high-end modern jewelry collections are reminiscent of Eastern European jewelry brands Humphrey (Austria), and Henrich & Denzel (Germany); each adheres to sleek, angular lines but Parada’s citrine rings, blue topaz pendants, and peridot earrings bring more vivid pops of color than his contemporaries.

“My travels through Paraguay and Uruguay inspire my designs. My design approach is bold yet elegant jewelry that can be worn day or night for all occasions,” says Parada.

It is often a challenge to pinpoint the idiosyncrasies of streamlined fine jewelry. Clean, geometric forms are central to this aesthetic and the fine, subtle details are not always clear upon the first viewing.

However, among Parada’s most distinctive designs is his Neapolitan-style cuff bracelets; a composite of three layers of 18-karat rose, white and yellow gold. This is an interesting concept as are his “floating” gemstone pendant necklaces, and rings.

“The bold colors of my native South America and European designers influence my style and inspire me to create subtle pieces that stand out.”
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Photo 1 (top right): 18-Karat Rose Gold and Diamond Necklace
Photo 2 (center): 18-Karat Rose and White Gold Citrine Earrings
Photo 3 (bottom left): 18-Karat Tricolor Cuff Bracelet with White Topaz