Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Jose Fabrega.
Hi Maria Jose, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey began at the Rhode Island School of Design, where I trained as a jeweler. In those early years, my world was rooted deep in the art jewelry sphere—exhibiting in galleries worldwide and participating in international art biennials. It was an incredible foundation, but over time, I felt a pull toward something more intimate and daily. I wanted to bridge the gap between high-concept art and the pieces we reach for every morning.
That desire sparked the creation of Fábrega. I set out to build a brand that balanced contemporary, easy-to-wear design with a truly creative, artistic soul. I started small by opening my own boutique, taking my designs to regional design fairs, and eventually expanding online. As the brand grew, it caught the eye of publications like Vogue, Nylon, and People. Before long, we expanded internationally, backed by a dedicated team of jewelers and a thriving wholesale network.
At its heart, Fábrega weaves the magical, creative essence of beauty and art into modern jewelry. We celebrate imagination and freedom, empowering women to express their authenticity through wearable art. We design specifically for people who seek beauty in the simplest things—the dreamers, the creatives, and the curious.
Despite our global reach, our core process remains deeply grounded. Every single piece of Fábrega jewelry is handmade and produced in small batches. This intentional, slow-fashion approach ensures minimal impact on both the environment and the artisans who craft our pieces at every step. We strongly advocate for quality over quantity, crafting timeless jewelry that is built to last.
Fábrega is an invitation to slow down, dream a little, and celebrate your own story through ours. We invite you to dive into our world and follow along with our journey on Instagram at @fabrega_studio.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Building Fábrega has definitely not been a smooth, linear road—it’s been a journey filled with incredible highs and very real challenges.
Like many independent creative businesses, the pandemic hit us hard and slowed our momentum significantly. On top of that, navigating the day-to-day realities of running a designer brand brings constant friction—from shipping logistics to the delicate balancing act of maintaining exceptional handcrafted quality while keeping our pieces accessible and affordable.
There are certainly moments of frustration and demotivation. When you run your own brand, you quickly realize that every push forward depends entirely on you. It’s your vision, your risk, and your dream—no one else is going to carry it for you.
But through every obstacle, my love for the craft has been the anchor. Passion turns persistence into second nature. When you truly care about what you create and the story you’re telling, you learn to ride the waves, keep designing, and keep building. The hard days only make watching Fábrega grow that much more rewarding.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My practice centers on two distinct yet deeply connected disciplines: jewelry making and painting. Born and raised in Ecuador, my work is rooted in the vibrant colors and rich cultural heritage of my Latin roots, and now based in Barcelona, I continue to explore how these artistic passions feed into one another.
I specialize in creating wearable art through my jewelry brand, Fábrega, alongside my work as a painter. I find these two mediums to be a dynamic counterbalance. In jewelry making, I focus on the intricate precision of metalwork and small-batch craftsmanship, while painting offers a liberating space for spontaneity—allowing me to fully embrace the fluidity of color, form, and texture.
What sets my work apart is this unique bridge between high-concept fine art and daily life. Rather than treating jewelry as a simple accessory, I approach every piece as a modern, wearable sculpture designed to celebrate individuality, freedom, and imagination.
What I am most proud of is building a sustainable, independent business that stays true to its values. Beyond being featured in global publications or expanding internationally, I’m deeply proud that every single Fábrega piece is handmade in small batches with respect for both the environment and the artisans behind it. Creating art that empowers people to express their true selves while honoring quality over mass consumption is the most rewarding part of what I do.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, my main focus is to keep growing Fábrega thoughtfully while continuing to deepen my creative practice.
One of my biggest dreams for the brand’s next chapter is seeing our pieces worn by performing artists and musicians on stage. I’ve always envisioned Fábrega’s jewelry living in those high-energy, artistic spaces—where music, performance, and fashion collide. Designing custom, dramatic, and expressive statement pieces for singers as they command the stage is a natural evolution of our brand’s sculptural, art-focused roots.
As we scale, I’m excited to collaborate with other creatives, experiment with bold new designs, and expand our international reach—all while staying rooted in our small-batch, sustainable ethos. The goal is simply to keep pushing creative boundaries and bringing art into people’s lives in new, inspiring ways.
Pricing:
- 20 -400 range
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fabregajewelry.com
- Instagram: Fabrega_studio
