Now and forever
Women for centuries have been fascinated by the allure of pearls. Pearls are not only a prized possession, they have also become a symbol of legacy, power, prestige, success, womanhood.
Several factors help one determine the value of pearls used as jewelry. Jewelers consider its luster, color, size, symmetry and lack of surface flaw. Among these, experts say that the pearl’s luster is the most important. Considering its size, larger pearls are more valuable compared to the small ones.
There are eight basic pearl shapes: round, semi-round, button, drop, pear, oval, baroque and circled. Teardrop-shaped is the most considered for pendants. Drop and pear-shaped pearls are the ones preferred for earrings and pendants. Baroque-shaped are also used in necklaces.
In the Philippines, the pearl is our national gem. Cultured to perfection, the world-renowned treasure has captivated the world and is considered one of the finest of its kind — the South Sea Pearl. The evolution of the pearl’s significance in local history can be traced back to our ancestors as a symbol for the royalty. During the 1400s, the pearl became a prime trade product and became of great significance as the local pearl trade became the biggest in Asia as it moved hand in hand with the silk trade and its route. As the demand began to increase, scarcity was starting to become a problem. The trade began to suffer and as a result the prime jewel found a new appeal as an heirloom piece. In the 1950s, the cultured process was introduced to the Badjaos but due to lack of technological advancement and financial support, early efforts failed. In the 1960s, the Davao pearl farm pioneered the production of cultured pearls. But 1979 saw the birth of a historical institution in the pearl industry — Jewelmer.
Jewelmer is the biggest in the Philippines and the leading golden South Sea Pearl producer in the world. It’s the only one in the local pearl industry that has its own successfully established jewelry manufacturing and retail outlets. Mastering the production of golden pearls and creating the finest handcrafted South Sea Pearl jewelry, the world-renowned name has become a supplier to international brands that include the prestigious Mikimoto. Known for its distinct outstanding pieces, Jewelmer prides itself in the brilliance of design, high quality of craftsmanship and uniqueness of appeal inspired by the beauty and wonder of nature.
Now on its Pearl year (30 years), the French-Filipino company continues to expand and leave a legacy of tradition in the industry by continuing the brilliance and excellence in showcasing extraordinary collections.
(For more information, visit www.jewelmer.com or visit its
newest showroom located at the second level of Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City)
(E-mail the author at mymultiplechoice@yahoo.com)
