There I am, or at least my earrings are, at number 6. Thanks to Rorie and T&C for loving them.
More of my designs can be seen at Firma Greenbelt 3 and TriNoma and at Felicity in Shangri-la Plaza Mall. As well as in my shop Aum Jewels.
The Baile Foundation and Shangri-La Mall present Aritos y Otros; an art jewelry exhibit celebrating Philippine Heroines and Women Achievers. Show opens on July 31, Thursday, and runs for about a week. Its a group exhibit featuring works by Napoleon Abueva, Arturo Luz, Eduardo Castrillo, Ginny Dizon, Ramon Orlina, Janina Hoschka and myself among others. Above is the spread from yesterday's Philippine Star. And below is the release from the Inquirer.
I will be paying tribute to two women.
First being Rosa Rosal through two necklaces; one shown below:
Second being Anita Magsaysay-Ho through three pieces; one shown below:
I can't wait to see the other works.
A couple of necklaces. The image a bit lackluster, i admit. Will post better shots in the next entry.
One necklace in white agate with an off-center hammered gold, rubies and diamond pendant. And another with kunzite rough and faceted pink amethyst in rose gold; with black coral chain. The latter being part of an upcoming exhibit on July 31. Details to follow.
...and proud to be Filipino, thank you.
...or "diamante" in the vernacular has been making a comeback of sorts lately. Along with the renewed interest in Victorian/Edwardian style jewelry. It's popularity actually never waned for businessmen and entrepreneurs as it is said to bring in luck. This stems from diamond's characteristic of being the hardest substance on the Moh's scale; all other gems scratched and shattered beside it. Ergo the thinking that this certain imperviousness, or "luck", would also be attained by the wearer. Rose cuts were actually one of the earliest types of "cutting" done on a diamond. They did not have the technology to saw through diamonds then so they just crudely grinded the tops off diamond roughs and noticed the patterns looked like rose buds from the top hence the name. I personally like how subdued it is compared to a full cut diamond. It sort of glows from the inside as opposed to the sharp sparkle a full cut presents. Which is not actually any better...just different.
Aum Jewels not only offers one-off pieces but also bespoke services. If you can't find what you want anywhere then I can personally sit down and work with you to create a piece.
We can source unusual stones, rework gems from heirloom pieces or mix old and new. Absolutely no limits to the possibilities.
In the end, arguably no brand can ever match the look and feel of something that was specifically created for a wearer.
I'm pretty sure many are familiar with jade. The gem of choice by Asians for luck. Carve even more auspicious characters and figures on them and it becomes even more fortuitous to possess. It is generally said to protect the wearer from harm.
Here are some things you probably know (or don't, but still interested to find out) about jade. There are two types of stones we call jade; Nephrite and Jadeite. Most common in the market are Nephrite. At best translucent in thinner pieces but mostly opaque. Jadeite, on the other hand, is much more rare. It can be cut into cabochons or beads and even whole carvings and still remain translucent. Most prized samples with color of a vivid apple to emerald green are called "Imperial Jade" and are priceless. A whole strand of evenly matched beads are even more so. It's also interesting to note that jadeite comes in several other fabulous colors (namely lavender, black, white & yellow) besides green.
However, the problem with jade is that it is too much associated with antiquity. But here are attempts at giving it a bit of an updated twist.
L-R: Bi-color jadeite ring in hammered yellow gold. Black jadeite ring in yellow gold with diamond eternity micro-pave. Green jadeite ring in yellow gold with diamond eternity micro-pave.
Pendant of antique nephrite jade dragon carving with multi-colored sapphires and seed pearl in yellow gold. Strung on black coral beads. I got this carving from an old man while walking along some alleys in Hong Kong. The carving was just too interesting to let go.
Here's a piece with faceted blue and purple sapphires and pink sapphire cabochons. It's a pretty piece; wearable everyday. But definitely not lacking in character.
Gold. Warm. Rich and luxurious. Understandable why countries have been built and ruined by this noble metal. More so these days as prices are as high as they have ever been historically. But of course we do wear jewelry for a different purpose. And to associate it with just material value is totally not the point. We talk about beauty and craftsmanship and all that. At the end of the day if you're happy with a purchase then that's all that matters.
Above is a handmade brooch of multi textured gold sheets with a baroque pearl and diamonds. Will try posting a few more pieces in gold these coming weeks in time for summer.