Cover As Jewelmer’s chief marketing officer, Marion Branellec-de Guzman endeavours for the gleam of South Sea Pearls to endure (Photo: courtesy of Jewelmer)
As Jewelmer’s chief marketing officer, Marion Branellec-de Guzman endeavours for the gleam of South Sea Pearls to endure (Photo: courtesy of Jewelmer)
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Jewelmer
Marion Branellec-de Guzman has long been attuned to Jewelmer—and the gentle waves that come with it
For nearly 50 years, Jewelmer’s South Sea pearls have been proof of the wonders of mother earth, and the great debt of gratitude we owe to our seas. There are few individuals who cherish the same appreciation for this as Marion Branellec-de Guzman, the brand’s chief marketing officer. She spent her early childhood at the pearl farms, surrounded by waves and the salty sea breeze, where she learnt that truly great things take time.
“It was a unique opportunity to be so close to nature,” Branellec-de Guzman reflects. “It taught me to appreciate the patience required to create something rare, and emphasised the importance of caring for the environment and the communities around us. These instilled in me a profound respect for what is nurtured with care.” This early exposure spawned her unwavering passion that continues today.
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Above Branellec-de Guzman believes in being stewards of nature (Photo: courtesy of Jewelmer)
Branellec-de Guzman believes in being stewards of nature (Photo: courtesy of Jewelmer)
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However, she is also aware that nature still has the final say. “No matter how carefully we tend to our oysters or how we manage our farms, the pearl is a miracle from the sea,” she remarks. “And there are never any guarantees.”
The alignment of such innumerable factors and the whims of the sea that produce these pearls only add to their immeasurable meaning and significance. These values are further amplified when pearls become an inseparable part of a client’s story or milestone—moments that, in Branellec-de Guzman’s eyes, matter most. “The South Sea pearl is more than a beautiful gem for fine jewellery,” she muses. “It is a precious vessel that allows us to protect our natural world, give back to our local communities and create moments for others that carry meaning.”
More than pearls, Jewelmer also cultivates people. “The core responsibility of leading a woman-led organisation today is giving others a platform to feel empowered,” Branellec-de Guzman enthuses. “This means providing the guidance and support our teams need to grow and succeed. Seventy-two per cent of our leadership roles are held by women, and 83 per cent of our farm managers are women.” These company leaders are joined by Jewelmer’s divers, farmers and marine biologists in nurturing the pearls, resulting in an environment where both oysters and people can thrive.
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The core responsibility of leading a woman-led organisation today is giving others a platform to feel empowered.
Branellec-de Guzman continues to help carry the legacy of Jewelmer co-Founders, Jacques Branellec and Manuel Cojuangco, while also shaping her own by inspiring women to find purpose. “I hope that women continue to trust in their abilities to excel in any field,” she remarks. “Leadership isn’t about sacrificing one part of your life for another, whether being a mum or a career woman, it’s about embracing your passions with intention and focus.”
Discover the golden gleam of Jewelmer at jewelmer.com.
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About
Tobias wants to write things that make people think, laugh, and reflect. He’s especially proud when he can sneak in a cheeky pop-culture reference or a pun in his titles and articles.
He possesses a deep love of history, resulting from years of books, games, and museum visits. It was this fascination with the human endeavour that fostered his love of writing, spanning genres, tones, and moods. He one day hopes to write a novel—he just hasn't decided on a genre yet. A certified homebody, you'll often find him on the computer he built himself, binge-watching Seinfeld or House, playing his favourite gacha game, or reading a book.
Work
Tobias is a features writer that specialises in branded content. Reach out to him at tobias.tomas@tatlerasia.com.
