Provenance Gems

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El Capitolio

In 2016 we started supplying Cuervo y Sobrinos watches to Cruise Ships as they began sailing from Miami to Havana. Cuba was becoming a popular novel destination and interest in Cuban culture and history was increasing. The watches were doing well and our clients began asking if there were any other products of Cuban origin we could source or develop.

We looked through archives, history books and thousands of photographs searching for inspiration to create something that could be symbolic of Havana and exciting for everybody. Eventually we discovered the story of Cuba’s Diamond, the Diamond displayed in El Capitolio de Havana. We knew we were on to something powerful that would lead to great jewelry.

Jonathan Reyes, our master goldsmith, was born in Havana and proved to be the perfect craftsmen to bring these ideas to life. Capitolio™ was born, each and every piece is designed and cast in our Miami workshop by Cuban Jewelers who settled and thrived in Miami.

EL CAPITOLIO

The 92m tall dome of El Capitolio is the highlight of Havana’ skyline.

Inspired by Washington D.C.’s Capital Hill, El Capitolio was built in 1926. A team of 5000 workers took 3 years to complete the project.

Up until the revolution it was the seat of Cuba’s Congress.

CUBA’S DIAMOND

Inside, beneath the dome, a 25 Carat Diamond was placed to mark “Kilometer 0”, the starting point of Cuba’s Central Highway.

The Diamond is said to have belonged to the French and then Russian Royal families before being sold to Cuba’s First Lady, María Jaén de Zayas.

THEFT

On the 25th of March 1946 the Diamond was stolen. The thieves actually left a note saying “2:45 to 3:15 - 25 Carats”, letting the world know the time it took to remove the Diamond, 30 minutes.

15 months later the Diamond was recovered by President Ramon Grau San Martín, the identity of the thieves remains a mystery to this day.

In 1973 the Diamond was replaced with a replica and the Diamond itself is said to be stored at Cuba’s Central Bank, although nobody is known to have seen it since.

PROUDLY MADE IN MIAMI

The entire Capitolio™ creation can be seen on the dedicated website capitolio.miami.

The latest creation is the Gentleman’s Casino Ring below.

This elegant and sophisticated gentleman’s ring is perfect for special occasions swell as everyday where. It is a tribute to Cuba’s Diamond and Havana’s Golden Age.

Any questions? Please do not hesitate to reach out - Info@Provenancegems.com

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