Ditch the flowers: Give jewelry gifts that last
There’s a reason jewelry makes such romantic gifts for loved ones. Not only do they symbolize commitment and devotion, their beauty also lets the other person know how precious they are to the giver.
This entire hearts month, Kultura celebrates love with Jewelry Market, a showcase of Filipino artisans’ creativity and craftsmanship that highlights local jewelry made from pearls, semiprecious stones, carabao horn, and more.
The shimmer that greets visitors upon entering Kultura, where possibly thousands of pieces of gems and charms of various shapes, shades, sizes, and styles are on display, is a sight to behold.
House brands including A-M Pearls, Asnie, Asron, Aurea, Glynyz, Goldmine, Hiyas Pilipinas, Kara de Juan, Khai Pearls, LJ Pearls, My Gems, Zumaya Pearls & Corals, Yasira IL Magnifica, and Sparkling Creations offer tons of options, from classic pearl stud earrings to bold Baroque brooches, from coral bangles to resin necklaces.
The variety of materials is dazzling. Freshwater pearls are a popular choice, crafted into various looks—from cute to classic, elegant to eclectic. Sourced from the waters of Palawan, South Sea pearls exude timeless luxury and are highly coveted for their rarity. Baroque pearls, on the other hand, stand out for their unconventional and irregular form, bringing a sophisticated edge to the usually dainty gem.
Bright colors come from semiprecious stones, which not only brighten up one’s entire look but are also said to come with healing properties. Their vibrance and capacity for balancing energies lend well to mixing, matching, and layering. Also available are handmade statement accessories made from discarded carabao horn, a testament to resourcefulness, sustainability, and local artistry.
Create your own jewelry
Until Feb. 16 at SM Makati, visitors can enjoy creating their own jewelry with guest brand Russet Accessories. There’s a wide range of charms and chains that are “inspired by what we love,” and guests can freely express their own creativity by designing earrings, necklaces, bracelets, as well as bag and show charms. It’s a hit among trinket lovers.
Founder Stef Mesina said she also enjoys interacting with customers. “We love seeing them customize their jewelry, seeing them put meaning behind the charms that they choose.”
Other invited guest brands are Arete, Lily Jewelry, Mjorian, and Pamanna Jewellery, each offering unique and lovingly crafted accessories.
Pamanna Jewellery’s Hanna Garcia took her hobby of jewelry-making further after graduating from the Gemological Institute of America. Using gold-plated brass and silver, she combines Davao pearls with semiprecious stones to create unconventional and unique statement pieces that are for the bold and beautiful.
Arete founder Mia Jeanjaquet, who also owns the Jeanjaquet clothing brand, draws inspiration from the Philippines. Incorporating materials from various parts of the country she travels to, Jeanjaquet designs pieces using mother of pearl, freshwater pearls, handmade ceramics, porcelain, capiz, and other shells, as well as gemstones.
Christella Miranda’s pieces for Lily Jewelry evoke nostalgia and Filipino culture, like the Santan necklace inspired by the santan flower necklace she used to piece together during her childhood days. The Tong Tong earrings depict a pair of crabs created because her son used to love the Filipino nursery rhyme, “Tong Tong Tong Tong Pakitongkitong.” The pieces can also be worn two ways, usually featuring detachable elements.
Every piece of Mjorian jewelry is handcrafted without molding. Created by artisans who have worked for royals as well as Tiffany & Co., the stunning jewelry designed by owner Marigrace Reaño promises to be one-of-a-kind. “There is so much beautiful jewelry here in the Philippines. What is our edge? It’s exclusivity.”
With designs ranging from delicate local flowers to bright stones, the statement pieces are a built to bring out the glamour and empower their wearers.
Guests can get up to 25-percent discount on jewelry purchases across all Kultura branches nationwide until Feb. 28. Additionally, the SM Makati branch has offers for customers including exclusive discounts and free gifts with purchases, also until Feb. 28.
The Kultura Jewelry Market happens every February and September at all branches nationwide. Shop online at kulturafilipino.com.
