For Eduardo Cano, jewelry is more than adornment—it is history cast in gold. As the CEO of Cano Jewelry, a family business spanning five generations, Eduardo carries the weight of a legacy rooted in Colombia’s rich artistic and cultural traditions. What began with his great-grandfather’s fascination for discovering pre-Columbian treasures has flourished into a celebrated brand, transforming ancient craftsmanship into wearable art.
Now based in Miami, Eduardo is setting his sights beyond Colombia with ambitious plans to expand Cano’s presence internationally. Today, Cano Jewelry is not only available in Colombia but is also sold through luxury retailers and e-commerce platforms like Moda Operandi and FashionKind, founded by Nina Farran and actress Sophia Bush. The brand also has stores in Colombia and Spain, bringing its unique jewlery to more people around the world.
Eduardo grew up surrounded by his family’s passion for discovering and preserving Colombian treasures. His great-grandfather, Nemesio Cano, along with his sons José and Félix, helped secure a place for these relics in Colombia's National Gold Museum. But his grandfather, Guillermo Cano, wanted to do more than just conserve history—he wanted people to experience it. So, he traveled to Germany to master the art of goldsmithing and metal casting, skills that allowed him to turn these artifacts into jewelry that could be worn and cherished.
With the skills he learned, Guillermo began reproducing original designs from private collections while applying ancestral techniques such as the lost-wax process, hammering, bas-relief, and high relief. Then in the 1960s, Eduardo's grandparents, Guillermo and his wife Dory opened their first boutique jewelry store in Bogotá, Colombia.
In 1970, Guillermo Cano opened a private museum to preserve these artifacts, showcasing 50,000 pre-Columbian treasures collected by the family
When his turn came to join the business, Eduardo wanted his family's efforts and tradition to be more widely recognized. After earning an MBA, he jumped into the fast-paced world of startups, learning firsthand how to build and scale brands in competitive markets. This experience armed him with the tools to reimagine how Cano could be appreciated all over the world.
"Our home was full of artifacts and historical pieces—some things were strictly off-limits, like playing ball indoors! But beyond the objects, it was the stories that shaped me."
After speaking with Eduardo, it’s clear that at the heart of Cano is a deep respect for history and culture. Each piece is created using the lost-wax technique, the same method indigenous artisans once used to shape gold into symbols of power and spirituality. With over 4,000 historical molds, Cano’s jewelry isn’t just about recreating the past—it’s about reinterpreting it for the modern world. Eduardo understands that honoring tradition doesn’t mean standing still. Through digital expansion, strategic collaborations, and a refined brand narrative, he’s ensuring that Cano’s Colombian heritage continues to inspire and evolve, reaching new audiences.
As Cano navigates the modern jewelry landscape, Eduardo remains steadfast in his commitment to authenticity. Whether drawing inspiration from the masterworks of Botero and Obregón, implementing lessons from his startup experience, or ensuring financial sustainability in an ever-evolving industry, his mission is clear: to uphold the integrity of his family’s business while crafting a future as enduring as gold itself—one that reaches far beyond Colombia’s borders.
Eduardo, your family’s history with Cano runs deep. Can you share your experience growing up surrounded by these artifacts and rich culture?
I grew up immersed in the world of jewelry and history. My grandfather would tell me stories about his early days in the business and how he and my great-grandfather would search for treasures. My father, a trained goldsmith, dedicated his life to preserving and continuing this legacy.
Our home was like a museum—full of artifacts and historical pieces, which meant certain things were strictly off-limits, like playing ball indoors! I remember visiting the manufacturing workshop with my father, attending trade shows, and being surrounded by these extraordinary objects. This upbringing instilled in me a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and heritage, making my transition into the business feel natural.
Stepping into a five-generation family business is both exciting and challenging. How does it feel to continue your great-grandfather Nemesio’s vision, and how did you prepare for this role?
It’s an incredible responsibility, but also a privilege. My great-grandfather Nemesio had a passion for these treasures long before Cano became a business. He recognized their value, and his contribution along with my grandfather Guillermo Cano helped establish a place for them at the Gold Museum, and laid the foundation for what we do today.
My grandfather, without formal education, had the vision to build a business around these artifacts. My father, in turn, studied goldsmithing in Germany to refine the craft. Growing up in a family business, you absorb knowledge from an early age—through conversations, stories, and firsthand experience.
I prepared by working in other industries, earning my MBA, and always staying involved in Cano in different capacities. I started by bringing in international brands to distribute in Colombia, learning how major brands operate and applying those standards to our business. It's not easy working with family; you must respect the heritage and DNA while also evolving to stay relevant.
What's one lesson from your family's patrimony that motivates you every day?
Staying true to our DNA. In an industry where trends constantly shift, it’s easy to get lost. But Cano has a strong foundation built on cultural heritage, and that authenticity is what sets us apart. We don’t chase trends; we focus on storytelling, craftsmanship, and timeless design.
"We don’t just make jewelry—we tell stories through our pieces. Every collection is a tribute to Colombia’s past while reinterpreting it for the present."
Eduardo Cano
Could you walk us through the process of creating a piece of jewelry from concept to completion? What traditional techniques and materials are involved?
Each piece goes through a meticulous, handcrafted process that honors traditional goldsmithing techniques.
Design & Inspiration – We start by selecting a theme, often drawing from Colombia’s indigenous cultures.
Wax Molding – Wax is injected into our historic molds (we have over 4,000 original molds). Indigenous artisans used beeswax, and we continue this tradition using modern techniques but the same lost wax method to cast.
Detail Refinement– The wax models are carefully refined by hand to ensure every detail is precise.
Watch the CANO process
Casting Process– The wax pieces are covered in plaster and heated in a furnace, melting the wax and leaving a cavity. Molten metal is then poured into the mold, filling every detail.
Finishing Touches – Once the plaster is broken away, the raw piece is meticulously polished by hand, adding clasps or hooks for earrings or pendants.
Gold Plating – The piece is given a 24k gold plate with a matte finish, which is a signature element of our jewelry, echoing the texture of pre-Columbian goldwork.
This process ensures that every piece carries the same spirit of craftsmanship that has defined Cano for generations.
How do you and your team decide which elements of Colombian culture to feature in your new collections?
We release four main collections a year, each with a carefully curated theme. Our design team draws inspiration from various cultures, regions, or motifs from original artifacts, ensuring each collection has a strong concept and a cohesive narrative.
We also aim to blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics, creating pieces that honor the past while remaining relevant today. Every collection pays tribute to something greater than the jewelry itself—it tells a story, whether it’s about an indigenous technique, a historical region, or an artistic movement.
Let’s talk about gold. In Colombia, it’s more than just a material—it’s a symbol of creativity and power. I’ve seen that Cano has referenced how Colombian masters like Alejandro Obregón, Guillermo Wiedemann, Fernando Botero, and Armando Villegas have interpreted gold in their artworks…We’d love to hear your thoughts on this
Colombian artists have long explored the symbolism of gold as a representation of power, transformation, and identity. At Cano Jewelry, we see gold as more than just a material—it is a medium that carries deep historical and cultural meaning. The way masters like Botero or Obregón have interpreted gold in their work speaks to its significance beyond material value, reinforcing its role as a symbol of heritage and artistic expression.
We see ourselves as continuing that dialogue—translating the artistic and cultural significance of gold into wearable pieces. These artistic interpretations inspire us to push creative boundaries, blending traditional motifs with contemporary aesthetics to create designs that feel both timeless and modern, while always honoring the craftsmanship and legacy of Colombian goldsmithing.
Meet another Colombian Artist:
"To stay relevant, we focus on staying true to our brand DNA—authenticity is key; we don’t chase trends."
Since you joined in 2016, you probably have seen the jewelry industry evolve. What strategies do you employ to ensure your brand remains relevant and competitive?
The industry has changed dramatically with digitalization, shifting consumer behaviors, and a growing focus on sustainability. To stay relevant, we focus on staying true to our brand DNA—authenticity is key; we don’t chase trends. We create limited-edition collections and collaborations that generate excitement, strengthen our e-commerce presence, and use social media storytelling to connect with our audience. But through it all, craftsmanship and authenticity remain at the core of everything we do.
How do you use financial tools like business credit cards and loans to support business operations or expansion efforts? And any advice to entrepreneurs on how these resources can help grow your business.
Financial planning is key to scaling a business. We use business credit to manage cash flow, finance inventory, and invest in strategic growth initiatives. My advice to entrepreneurs: use credit responsibly, have a clear ROI-driven strategy, and always balance growth with financial sustainability.
Ensure that every investment has a clear return, whether it’s increasing production capacity, expanding distribution, or strengthening your brand presence. Maintain healthy margins, build strong banking relationships, and always balance growth with financial sustainability.
Growth is important, but it has to be sustainable—scaling too quickly without proper financial planning can be as risky as not growing at all.
"My advice to entrepreneurs: use credit responsibly, have a clear ROI-driven strategy, and always balance growth with financial sustainability."
Eduardo Cano
Taking over a family business can be a tough decision. What advice would you give to someone unsure about stepping into that role?
It’s not easy. Managing both family dynamics and a business is challenging, and one of the most important things is finding alignment between the family's vision and your own. You have to respect what was built, but you also need to evolve it—simply maintaining the past won’t ensure the business thrives in the future.
Setting clear boundaries is crucial. Separating family from business as much as possible allows for healthier decision-making and avoids unnecessary friction. At the same time, surrounding yourself with talented people is essential. No one succeeds alone, and having a strong team makes all the difference.
It’s a rewarding journey, but it requires patience, strategy, and a willingness to embrace change. You have to be prepared to challenge traditions while honoring them, to innovate without losing the essence of the brand. If you can find that balance, you have the opportunity to not just continue a legacy, but to shape its future
Cano Jewelry has just launched Kawsay, a new collection inspired by the Andes. In Quechua, Kawsay means “life,” representing a deep connection to nature and the world around us. This collection celebrates that spirit through timeless jewelry, blending tradition with modern design. Kawsay reflects the work Eduardo Cano and his family have been doing—preserving cultural heritage while creating meaningful, wearable art. With this collection, Cano continues to honor history while bringing its beauty to today’s world.
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© Cano Jewelry
© Cano Jewelry
© Cano Jewelry
© Cano Jewelry
© Cano Jewelry
© Cano Jewelry
© Cano Jewelry
© Cano Jewelry
