Understanding Metals, Crafting and Source

Fine jewelry begins with exceptional materials. At Coquí el Original®, premium metals, meticulous crafting and authentic sourcing are the foundation of every exquisite piece. From gorgeous Puerto Rico gold pendants to elegantly crafted sterling silver designs, the precious metals we select contribute to the lasting value of your jewelry. Our Cuban-Puerto Rican family jewelers bring over a century of metallurgical expertise to sourcing and working with the finest materials available.

What Makes Gold and Silver Noble Metals?

Gold and silver belong to a rare classification known as noble metals. These precious materials resist oxidation and corrosion, which makes them ideal for creating heirloom-quality pieces that retain their elegance through generations.

How Purity Is Determined in Fine Jewelry

The value of precious metals depends largely on purity. For gold, purity is measured in karats. Pure gold is 24 karats, containing 100% gold with no alloy metals. However, pure gold is quite soft for everyday wear, which is why jewelers create alloys by combining it with other metals to increase strength.

At Coquí el Original®, we craft every gold piece in Solid 14K Gold. This means each gold Puerto Rico charm or gold medallion pendant contains 58.3% pure gold alloyed with durable metals. The 14K standard offers an exquisite balance between purity, strength and the warm golden luster our clients cherish.

In silver, purity is measured by a different standard. Sterling Silver is marked .925, indicating it contains 92.5% pure silver. All our sterling silver pieces meet the .925 standard for authenticity. We never use plating or hollow construction that deteriorates over time.

Determining the Value of Precious Metals

Several factors determine the value of gold and silver jewelry:

Purity: Higher gold content or silver percentage increases intrinsic worth.
Weight: Greater amounts measured in grams or troy ounces add tangible value.
Market prices: Current gold and silver rates driven by global demand affect jewelry value.
Craftsmanship: Artistry and skilled finishing transform raw materials into wearable art.

At Coquí el Original®, we enhance value through exceptional quality markers. Every piece is stamped .925 or 14K to demonstrate authenticity. We engrave each item with “NB” for Natalio Barquet, and “PR” for Puerto Rico. Each piece includes our signature diamond, representing our commitment to genuine luxury. As a registered brand with both the United States and Puerto Rico Patent and Trademark offices, we protect the authenticity of our exclusive designs.

Why Source Your Jewelry From Coquí el Original®

The origin of your jewelry matters as much as the materials themselves. Our family jewelry tradition began in Cuba in 1920 and has flourished in Old San Juan since 1965. Our designer, Natalio Barquet Junior, earned his Gemological Institute of America (GIA) certification in 1990 with a specialty in diamonds, bringing metallurgical expertise to every design. In 2009, he founded Coquí el Original® to create exclusively local Puerto Rican jewelry, making us one of the few stores offering authentic Puerto Rican pendants.

We design all collections in-house at our Old San Juan studio, drawing inspiration from Puerto Rico’s cultural symbols and natural beauty. As proud sponsors of the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust, we honor the island’s environment that inspires our work. We craft exclusively in solid 14K gold and sterling silver .925, rejecting plated or hollow pieces that compromise quality. As a fourth-generation family business, when you choose a piece from our exquisite jewelry collections, you’re acquiring an exclusive design that celebrates Boricua heritage.

Discover Authentic Puerto Rican Jewelry Today

Experience the joy of investing in exceptional metals, time-honored craftsmanship, and authentic Puerto Rican design. Browse collections online or visit our jewelry store in Old San Juan to meet our family of jewelers. For a tailored experience, book a complimentary virtual appointment with our personal stylists.

Daniela Barquet

Daniela Barquet is the 4th generation owner of her family's jewelry store located in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico since 1965. The business tradition was started by her great-grandfather, Issac Barquet, in 1920. Daniela graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor's in the History of Art and Architecture and a Minor in Italian Studies. Daniela continues to grow under the mentorship of her father, Natalio Barquet Perez, who is a renowned, certified jeweler in Puerto Rico.