For over 50 years,
ARIU has brought the essence of Ecuador to the world,
building a legacy that transcends generations.
Ecuadorian Artistry
Founded in 1975 in Quito, ARIU Jewelry House emerged with a singular vision: to preserve and elevate Ecuadorian heritage, rooted in the conviction that our history embodies a profound cultural legacy. Through a contemporary reinterpretation of pre-Columbian symbols and forms, the house creates a seamless dialogue between past and present, dissolving generational divides and transcending time itself.
Every ARIU collection is guided by a singular philosophy: each piece is meticulously developed, honoring time-honored techniques and crafted by master goldsmiths in the house’s Ecuadorian ateliers.
The precision at every stage and the uncompromising attention to detail embody the brand’s commitment to excellence, identity, and lasting design.
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Ariu Studio Journey
1975
In a modest atelier on the outskirts of Quito, Pedro Ushiña begins shaping precious metals with discipline and reverence. The craft—handed down through generations—marks the origin of a lineage devoted to preserving the noble art of Ecuadorian artisanal jewelry.
1990
Byron Ushiña accompanies his father, learning the foundations of the goldsmith’s discipline: fire, alloys, drafting, finishing, and trade. What began as apprenticeship soon revealed itself as vocation—a vision awaiting its rightful form.
1994
Byron meets Alexandra Aguirre—his companion in life, aesthetics, and enterprise. Together, they conceive the idea of a house of design distinguished by identity, heritage, and soul.
1996
With but three pliers, a bench, a hammer, and a torch, Byron presents his early creations at the Otavalo Artisan Fair. That inaugural sale would lay the cornerstone of what was to come.
1997
Byron unveils his first formal collection: medallions inspired by pre-Columbian iconography. Thus are born the “charms”—amuletic pieces uniting ancestral symbolism with contemporary desire.
1999
The house begins to gain recognition. The aspiration of becoming a distinguished design atelier grows ever more defined as Byron and Alexandra refine their aesthetic language.
2000
Ushiña Jewelry is exhibited at the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador—an early testament that refined craftsmanship transcends borders.
2004
With the support of SIPPO, the house receives a quality certification, affirming both its technical excellence and international export potential.
2005
Through CORPEI, the brand participates in distinguished design and fashion fairs in Germany, representing Ecuadorian artistry on the European stage.
2006
A fortuitous meeting with Barb Moreau (CAMTA) gives rise to an enduring annual philanthropic collaboration—where design serves a greater purpose.
2007
Ushiña Jewelry is awarded by the Central Bank of Ecuador for the meticulous recreation of emblematic museum pieces—an homage to national patrimony.
2008
Byron and Alexandra inaugurate ARI Gallery in Quito’s Historic Center—an intimate space where fine jewelry is not merely acquired, but experienced.
2009
The house assumes a new name: ARIU. A title embodying resilience, refinement, and transformation—adversity transmuted into beauty.
2010
ARIU is distinguished as Ecuador’s leading microenterprise by the Inter-American Forum of Microenterprise (FOROMIC), acknowledging its entrepreneurial excellence.
2013
ARIU participates in Texturas & Colores, CIDAP, and FITE—affirming its position not merely as a designer, but as a tastemaker within the regional industry.
2014
Byron receives an honorable distinction from the Inter-American Development Bank for strengthening entrepreneurship in Ecuador—international recognition of vision and stewardship.
2016
ARIU opens its second gallery at Swissôtel Quito, marking a decisive moment in the emergence of Ecuadorian luxury.
2017
ARIU arrives at Quito’s International Airport through a partnership with Travel Stores, welcoming the world with jewelry that speaks of heritage and refinement.
18-20
Amidst the global pandemic, ARIU launches its online boutique and unveils a third gallery at Swissôtel Quito, introducing an elevated collection in 18-karat gold—proof of resilience and evolution.
2023
ARIU inaugurates its fourth gallery at the JW Marriott Quito, positioning the house firmly within the highest echelon of the national jewelry market.
HOY
ARIU prepares to establish its first international boutique, consolidating its standing as Ecuador’s foremost jewelry house and extending its legacy onto the global stage.