About us
Continuing a Legacy
Cano Jewelry is a renowned Colombian jewelry house, celebrated for its unique reinterpretations of pre-Columbian art discovered by the Cano family in the late 19th century. The family's fascination with the goldsmithing traditions of pre-Columbian cultures began when Nemesio Cano, a stonemason at the time, uncovered an important indigenous burial site. This discovery ignited his interest and passion for seeking and collecting these treasures, which have been passed down through generations.
His sons José and Félix, along with his grandson Guillermo, continued the search and contributed more than 10,000 gold pieces to the Gold Museum of the Banco de la República in Bogotá. This renowned collection has been exhibited at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, National Geographic, the British Museum, and other world-class museums. Over five generations of exploration, study, and artistic and technical efforts, the Cano family has reimagined these traditional pre-Hispanic art pieces into modern and timeless jewelry. Nemesio's grandson, Guillermo Cano, began reproducing original designs from private collections using ancestral techniques such as lost-wax casting, hammering, bas-relief, and high-relief.
Our History
1890
José and Félix, together with Nemesio’s grandson Guillermo, carried forward the legacy, contributing over 10,000 gold pieces to the Gold Museum of the Banco de la República in Bogotá. This acclaimed collection has been showcased at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, National Geographic, the British Museum, and other world-class institutions. Through five generations of exploration, research, and artistic mastery, the Cano family has transformed traditional pre-Hispanic art into modern, timeless jewelry. Guillermo Cano, Nemesio’s grandson, began recreating original designs from private collections using ancestral techniques such as lost-wax casting, hammering, and both bas-relief and high-relief.
The Beginning of the Tradition – Second Generation
1900
Together with his son José, the Cano family became pioneers in preserving Colombia's heritage.
They dedicated much of their lives to the search for pre-Columbian treasures and recognized the historical value of these pieces.
1929
Guillermo Cano was born in Santuario, Caldas, Colombia, and led the third generation of the Cano family in their quest to preserve pre-Columbian heritage.
The Tradition Continues
1935
The tradition continued through Guillermo, who was captivated at an early age by the discovery of indigenous burial sites. The passion of Guillermo, Nemesio, José, and Félix Cano for indigenous cultures eventually led them to contribute one-third of the Gold Museum’s collection.
Heritage
1939
The Gold Museum’s collection was established with the mission of preserving and protecting the nation’s archaeological heritage.
First Boutique
1968
Guillermo Cano and his wife, Dory de Cano, opened their first jewelry boutique in Bogotá, Colombia, to share for the first time pre-Columbian reproductions cast using the same lost-wax process once employed by these ancient civilizations.
Private Museum
1970
Guillermo Cano inaugurated a private museum to help build Colombia’s national identity, showcasing over 4,000 ceramic pieces and more than 50,000 pre-Columbian carved stones collected by the family.
From the land of El Dorado
1973
The exhibition ‘From the Land of El Dorado’ opens at the National Geographic Society’s Explorers Hall in Washington D.C., where Cano showcases a collection of pre-Columbian artifacts.
The Metropolitan Museum
1975
Since its beginnings, the Cano family's mission has been to inspire Colombians to value their national identity and cultural heritage.
The family has also worked to promote pre-Columbian craftsmanship and culture worldwide. Cano had the honor of being featured at the Metropolitan Museum Shop in New York.
National Geographic
1979
National Geographic featured Cano in its GOLD, THE ETERNAL TREASURE, naming him the goldsmith who recreates masterpieces of the past thanks to his remarkable mastery of the lost-wax technique.
California Academy of Sciences
1980
Cano Exhibition – Replicas of Tairona and Muisca Artifacts at the California Academy of Sciences.
The 20 Most Important Emeralds in the World
1981
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles showcases Cano’s pieces as part of a $45 million collection, featuring the 20 most important emeralds of the 1980s and stunning pre-Columbian gold artifacts.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
1987
Guillermo Cano was named an Honorary Gold Member of the National Geographic Society. At the same time, Cano exhibited the family’s collection at the National Geographic headquarters in New York.
Fourth Generation
1987
Luis Alberto Cano, the fourth generation of the family, continues the tradition by opening his first boutique in Medellín, Colombia. Luis Alberto is a goldsmith trained at the prestigious Goldschmiedeschule in Pforzheim, Germany.
Gold Museum
1993
Since 1900, the Cano family has contributed to the Gold Museum’s collection, donating more than 10,000 pre-Columbian gold pieces to the Banco de la República.
International Expansion
1997
Cano continues to export Colombia’s heritage to Italy, France, Spain, the United States, Mexico, and Chile.
State Visits
1999
Cano has always been a traditional choice for presidents when honoring distinguished guests or during state visits. A Cano gift highlights Colombia’s heritage, our pre-Columbian cultures, and their ancestral craftsmanship.
Jewelry Authorized by the Banco de la República
2001
Cano became the exclusive jewelry house authorized to reproduce the GOLD MUSEUM COLLECTION.
El Dorado
2014
Cano was commissioned by the British Museum to create replicas of the masterpiece pieces for its exhibition “Beyond El Dorado: Power and Gold in Ancient Colombia.
Fifth Generation
2016
EDUARDO CANO, now the 5th generation of the family, continues the tradition and leads the international expansion.
2016
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos chose Cano Jewelry pieces as a gift for Queen Elizabeth.
Creative Direction
2018
Paula Mendoza is appointed Creative Director of the brand (2018–2019)
New Stores
2023
Two new stores were opened: the Quimbaya Gold Museum in Armenia, Quindío, and the Zenú Museum in Cartagena.
Madrid Store
2024
With great excitement, Casa Joyera Cano announces the opening of its new store in Madrid – a space where tradition and contemporary design come together to celebrate Colombian heritage.
Our Production Process
The creation of a handcrafted jewel is a process filled with passion and dedication. It begins with the careful selection of materials.
Sustainability
Reproduction permission
We are the only jewelry store with reproduction permission for pre-Columbian pieces.
Local artisans
Our jewelry is handcrafted by artisans from across Colombia.
Green gold
We call it green gold – gold extracted through artisanal methods, minimizing the impact on the earth.
