In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, there’s no better time to spotlight UNOde50, a brand born in Madrid that has become a global force in contemporary jewelry. Founded in the late 1990s by Spanish designer José Azulay, UNOde50 has stayed true to its vision of crafting distinctive, handmade pieces that celebrate individuality, artistry and heritage.
From its earliest days, UNOde50 stood out for its daring creativity. Azulay believed jewelry should not only be worn but experienced. Each piece is designed to carry a story, evoke emotion and embrace imperfection as part of beauty. What began as a small workshop in Spain has now grown into a worldwide brand, while still preserving its artisanal roots.
The name UNOde50, which translates to “One of 50,” reflects its origins: only 50 units of each design were initially produced, underscoring exclusivity and individuality. Today, the brand continues that spirit with limited-edition collections and bold, instantly recognizable styles that marry organic shapes with contemporary edge.
“We are all different. Even different depending on the days, even the moments. That is why each UNOde50 piece is different,” said Azulay. “With my designs, I long to express moods. With metals, whose curves reflect that infinity of emotions, their greatness, their efforts. With leather, which represents the origin of time, of life, of nature in its primitive state. The crystals symbolize the joy of living, positivity, fantasy, glamour. And from that mix comes the finished design. The triumph of the free spirit, harmony and, above all, the joy of knowing that what I have done with so much soul will make many people happy.”
He has dedicated his life to creating small treasures that are currently distributed in more than 100 stores in 40 countries, including the world’s major cities: Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, London, Miami, Rome, New York City and Tokyo, among others.
This fall, UNOde50 launches its “Ser Invencible,” collection, centered around wing motifs, symbolizing resilience, freedom and transformation. The collection not only introduces a fresh, modern design but also serves a greater purpose: a portion of sales will benefit Mi Princesa Rett, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and funding for Rett syndrome research and support. It’s a powerful example of how UNOde50 continues to merge creativity with community impact.
For Azulay, Hispanic heritage is not only about honoring tradition but also about pushing boundaries and telling stories through design. His work embodies the vibrancy, resilience and artistic daring that define Hispanic culture, while offering jewelry that feels both timeless and unapologetically bold.
As Hispanic Heritage Month invites us to reflect on contributions from across the Spanish-speaking world, UNOde50 stands as a shining example of how heritage and innovation can co-exist—celebrating roots while embracing the future.
