The Golden South Sea Pearl: Source of pride

There’s a certain pride that pearls give the wearer. Pearls evoke elegance and distinction. They are a source of incomparable joy.

In the Philippines, the Golden South Sea Pearl is a national gem. This highly prized wonder of nature from our tropical shores symbolizes the embodiment of the country’s tradition and culture. The passing of decades has documented the majestic presence and relevance of the pearl as this precious gem is deeply rooted in the heart of the nation’s history.

Recently, Jewelmer Joaillerie, a globally renowned Filipino jewelry brand, made history as the first Filipino brand to be part of Japan’s pillars in the department store industry — Mitsukoshi and Isetan. The company’s international standards and quality align its golden pearl among the illustrious names in fashion like Bulgari, Cartier, Boucheron, Van Cleef & Arpels, Chaumet, Piaget, Tiffany & Co., Chanel and Japan’s very own Mikimoto.

Perfection is the astute benchmark of the immortalized gem born under the Philippine sea. The arrival of the country’s prized gem in Japan was announced at the beginning of the bi-annual exclusive trade show of Mitsukoshi and Isetan at the New Otani Hotel in Tokyo. The special exhibition was a preview for fashion insiders, the press, high-profile clientele and celebrities before being displayed in the stores for the public to see and adore. Jewelmer’s monumental feat brings honor to our homeland as the two institutional department stores in Japan welcome the first and only Filipino brand into their prestigious list of fine jewelry in the 138 years and 341 years of Isetan and Mitsukoshi’s existence, respectively.

This milestone was made possible by the partnership between Jewelmer, which recently celebrated its 35th anniversary, and the respected Mori Pearl (a family-owned Japanese company that sources and designs pearls under the Mitsukoshi label). Their partnership began in March at an international trade show. The Japanese company searched and personally handpicked the Golden South Sea Pearl among the countless varieties in the global market like the Tahitian black pearl and Australian white pearl.

 “The presence of the Golden South Sea Pearl is new to Japan. We were looking for something extraordinarily special with a high standard of quality,” says Katsuyuki Mori, president of Mori Pearl.

In the world of fashion, Japan is considered a renowned capital that serves as an inspiration to many stylephiles. The Land of the Rising Sun has produced some of the best designer names in the global spotlight such as Rei Kawakubo, Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto and Junya Watanabe. Aside from ready-to-wear pieces, Japan is also popularly known for its rich pearl culture. From a sea of white gems, the Japanese began their quest for gold. The scarcity and rarity of the Golden South Sea Pearl has fascinated their discerning eye. “Gold is low in our country so we had to look and search for the perfect one,” adds Mori. He searched far and wide. Until he stumbled upon the Golden South Sea Pearl of the reputable Jewelmer.

The Philippine South Sea Pearl’s luxe attraction has successfully passed the high standard of Isetan’s fashionable and discerning customers. Jewelmer’s stellar creations have captivated the Japanese market with the Filipino company’s outstanding craftsmanship. Simply put, the beauty of its pearl jewelry is of the highest quality. Its designs involve modernity and simplicity, which are characteristics that showcase the outstanding uniqueness of reinvented classics. Tradition and aesthetics fashioned in the now stand out, not only by their natural stellar appeal but also by having good value for money.

The national gem is undeniably priceless. According to Shimura Hideaki of Isetan, “Its beauty isn’t only in its face value but also inside. Beyond the surface layers is heritage.” The Japanese in general regard the pearl with great importance. Its high value is deeply rooted in cultural traditions and milestone events.

The union of Mori Pearl and Jewelmer is the beginning of a beautiful relationship of two countries in immortalizing a new legacy of luxury. It heralds the rebirth of the “golden” times, where the beauty of nature is set amongst the finest jewelers with a visionary step of bringing Asia to the world and making a legacy to last a lifetime.

(E-mail the author at luisespiritu@yahoo.com.)