Raquel De la Torre Serrano
Togashi Damascene
Jewellery maker
Toledo, Spain
A new edge on damascene geometries
- Raquel inlays gold and silver onto carbon steel surfaces using damascening
- One of her pieces was featured in the television series House of the Dragon
- She was a finalist for the 2025 Castilla-La Mancha Artisan Entrepreneurship Award
Through rhythmic hammering and patient inlaying, Raquel De la Torre Serrano has carved out a special space within Toledo's a small guild of damascene artisans. "The craft of damascening jewellery, rooted in Damascus and Spain's Moorish history, has long been at risk of disappearing," she says. Through her contemporary practice, Raquel breathes new life into this endangered craft. Her signature style blends traditional Arab patterns with that of other ancient civilisations to create modern earrings, pendants and boxes. Mentored by her father, master damascene jeweller Carlos de la Torre, she brought both rigourous skill and bold innovation to the craft. In 2019, she founded her studio Togashi Damascene, a space that welcomes tourists and locals eager to experience Toledo’s living heritage.
INTERVIEW
In 2016, I decided to follow in my father and brother’s footsteps. I was working as a chiropractor when I asked my father to teach me the craft. At first, he did not think I was serious, so I had to prove my dedication before he accepted me as his apprentice. I trained under him until I opened my own workshop in 2019.
I remember the distinc sound of hammering and the workshop being filled with boxes. I would accompany him on Sundays, and he would not let me touch anything. I also recall being aroud many damascene apprentices.
My main objective is to innovate. Rather than repeating traditional Renaissance floral motifs, I merge traditional geometrical Arab patterns with organic designs for a contemporary approach. It took time for my father and other master artisans to accept my work, as my designs represent a true departure from tradition.
After years of institutional neglect, damascening was finally declared a Cultural Heritage Asset in 2026. Since 2019, the Damascene Foundation of Toledo has been working to protect, research, promote and teach the craft to future generations. Another major milestone has been the recent inclusion of damascene in the curriculum of Toledo’s School of Arts.
Raquel De la Torre Serrano
Togashi Damascene
Jewellery maker
Toledo, Spain
ADDRESS
Address upon request, Toledo, Spain
AVAILABILITY
By appointment only
PHONE
+34 695318480
LANGUAGES
Spanish
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