Alcama was founded in 2020 by Mariana Alcalde, a Mexican designer and jeweler originally from Guadalajara. What began as a creative outlet during the pandemic quickly evolved into a full-time practice, driven by a fascination with craftsmanship, materiality, and the intimate relationship between maker and object. After studying design and later specializing in gemology, Mariana developed Alcama as a space where contemporary jewelry could be approached as wearable sculpture—pieces shaped slowly by hand and designed to be lived with for years.
In 2025, Mariana relocated to Madrid, where Alcama continues to operate through a small-scale, hands-on production model. Every piece is handcrafted in limited quantities, allowing for close attention to detail and a thoughtful approach to making. Working primarily with sterling silver in its early years, the brand has since expanded into gold, while maintaining a deep appreciation for traditional jewelry techniques and artisanal processes.
Mariana carefully sources and works with a wide variety of gemstones, selecting each for its character, color, and individuality. The result is a collection of distinctive pieces that balance bold forms with timeless craftsmanship, celebrating both the beauty of the materials and the human hand behind them.
"I’m drawn to jewelry that feels like it carries a story—pieces that are sculptural yet personal, contemporary yet timeless. Every Alcama piece is made slowly, by hand, with the intention that it becomes part of someone’s life and evolves alongside them."