HOW DID YOU START AS A JEWELRY DESIGNER?

My guru once told me, “You will find success in the creation of beauty.”

It all began with prayer beads or mala that I offered at our temple. This was in 2005 in Kuala Lumpur. In Buddhism, followers are encouraged to offer their talents, what they do best to the temple and I felt that was mine. Others noticed my offerings and asked if I would make prayer beads for them as well. As orders kept coming in, I began playing around with designs; adding unique touches to the mala.

A pilgrimage to India soon after deepened my understanding of the power of stones. India is such a mystical place, with a rich, colorful culture and their jewelry is a big part of that identity. I think that to this day, my pieces show a bit of that influence. The more I learned about the different energies that particular stones brings to people, the more I fell in love with it and I ended up bringing stones back with me.

Besides prayer beads, I started making pendants that featured different stones. They were more jewelry than accessories, with classic settings that maximize the exposure of the stone against the wearer. I first sold these in Kuala Lumpur then brought it back with me to the Philippines.

I became serious about my jewelry in 2007 by taking more risks in my designs and playing with finishes and settings. I suppose being a model helps me keep in touch with trends and seeing what would look good on people and what they find beautiful.

Years later, I have to say that my guru was right. I have found success in creating beauty.

WHERE DID YOU RECEIVE YOUR DESIGN TRAINING?

I had no formal design training. You could say I learned through trial and error.

WHAT IS YOUR DESIGN PHILOSOPHY? HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR DESIGN AESTHETIC?

I always start with the stone. It’s also my main inspiration for design. I try to think of ways that people would most enjoy the stone while at the same time feel beautiful wearing it.

WHAT DO YOU FIND IS THE BEST THING ABOUT DESIGNING JEWELRY?

I see jewelry as something that enhances one’s innate beauty, like icing on the cake. I like that by using stones, I’m helping them find what they need be it love, money, or repelling bad karma while at the same time, giving them confidence by making them feel beautiful.

I also enjoy the creative process, particularly when the stones and design just come together and look perfect!