The Pirate Of Barcelona

"I believe that gold brings me luck, so I always wear some."

–Marc Ribas, Barcelona

The Pirate Of Barcelona ✦

Marc Ribas is a jewelry designer and gemologist based in Barcelona. With a posh pirate chic that’s equal parts Dalí and Depp, Ribas is perfectly suited to the city he laughingly dubs “Barceloca.” His one-of-a-kind pieces are sought after by royal families and fashionistas the world over, and combine semi-precious stones, gold and platinum with materials rarely used in conventional jewelry – furs, methacrylates, textiles, wood, feathers, and even parts of insects. Discover more about Marc Ribas at marc-ribas.com, or by following him on Instagram at @marcribas.

I. What are your two favourite shops in Barcelona for browsing?

Santa Eulalia and Els Encants. They have nothing to do with each other, but I love them.

II. What are your two favourite restaurants in Barcelona?

Via Veneto and Spice Parallel, the best South African restaurant in the city for sure. A friend of mine is the owner, and he’s about to open one in New York and one in Germany.

III. What are the two best things in life that are free?

Sight and touch. We take them for granted, but both are great gifts.

IV. What are your favourite two places to go in Barcelona when you need to relax?

Carretera de les Aigües to go running and enjoy a beautiful view of the city, and the spa at Soho House.

V. What are the two items you always carry?

Coins and gold. I always carry coins. If a wallet doesn’t have a coin pocket, I won’t buy it. And I believe that gold brings me luck, so I always wear some.

VI. What are your two favourite apps for navigating your life?

I’m not really into apps. I prefer real life over a digital one.

VII. What are the top two reasons why you chose to live in your neighbourhood?

Location and quiet. I live on Carrer de Minerva, a tiny street close to the city center. I love it because it’s like being in the thick of it without really being there.

VIII. What two things are you the most grateful for?

Health and love.

IX. Who or what are your two favourite icons of Barcelona?

Sagrada Família and the sea.

X. What two things inspire you the most?

Intelligence and elegance.

XI. What are two things that you aspire to accomplish in your lifetime?

I want to live well and, after I grow old, look back on my life with a sense of fulfillment.

XII. What are two qualities that you look for in a soulmate?

Intelligence and goodness.

XIII. What are two pieces of advice you would give yourself at a younger age?

Don’t take life too seriously, and be happy.

XIV. What are your two most treasured possessions?

My friends and family.

XV. Name two inspiring people with whom you would like to share a meal (and what you would eat).

Salvador Dalí. I would definitely eat lobster with him. I would also love to eat pearls with Coco Chanel.

XVI. What are the two best habits that you have learned?

Discipline and keeping my word.

XVII. What are the two best-kept secrets of Barcelona?

A friend’s house where we always have afterparties, and my studio.

XVIII. Name two pieces of music that lift your spirits.

“Lover Why” by Century and “Infinity” by Guru Josh Project.

XIX. Name two scents that transport you.

Eau Savage Extreme by Dior and Morphew by Maurice Roucel.

XX. What are two places that you want to visit?

South Africa and Egypt.

XXI. What are two things that you appreciate about yourself?

I’m hardworking and funny.

XXII. What are two things that you’d like to change?

Smartphones and mass production. Phones are destroying people, and mass production is destroying the planet. We’d be much better off without either of them.