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Nothing completes a good ensemble than refined and sophisticated accessories. In this section, Tatler gathers the country’s sought-after female jewellery makers
There is a spate of talented Filipinas in the field of jewellery design. Their works, ranging from colourful gemstones, long and sparkling necklaces and meaningful pendants, are a testament that Filipino talent is noteworthy. In this write-up, we feature the creativity of Erica Concepcion-Reyes, Nicole Whisenhunt, Joyce Makitalo, Marigrace Reano and Tim Tam Ong, who has provided some of the country’s most sought-after accessories.
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JOYCE MAKITALO
Her works are remarkable for being chunky, bold, and colourful. As a painter and graphic designer in the late Nineties, Joyce Makitalo considers herself an artist. “I saw myself more as an artist than a jeweller when I started, but after years of handling rocks, I consider myself to be both,” she says. According to Makitalo, her fear of boredom keeps her from creating accessories that boast unconventional, organic and industrial materials.
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“Whatever can stand the heat,” she explains. “In the past, we created our vegetal ivory in the studio, and I enjoy the experimentation and the challenges that come with new ideas.” Nothing beats the rewarding feeling of making her clients feel unique and special. “I am told by clients that often, during their travels, they get stopped and asked about the necklace or ring they got from me,” Makitalo says. The designer is looking forward to collaborations with some of the Philippines’ most in-demand jewellery makers this year. She also aims to source more than half of her stones and organic materials from local communities. “We have made some progress here, hopeful that this year, we can accomplish it and move on to bigger goals,” she says.
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TIM TAM ONG
A Tim Tam Ong piece is intricate, unique and wearable. After she develops a piece’s concept and design, it is brought to life by a team of artisans who do meticulously shaping and polishing. Through the years, she has also developed a working system that seeks to better the lives of her employees.
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“Genuine passion motivates me most. I believe that this is what started all of these. I love jewellery and everything that goes with it—I am grateful to have a team of hardworking people who give me a sense of purpose. One of my main goals is to impart my knowledge and improve their lives,” she says. The designer is affiliated with the Gemological Institution of America, the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, coloured stones and pearls. She is not about to rest on her many achievements, either. As of writing, Ong is continuously working on making her brand internationally recognisable.
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NICOLE WHISENHUNT
She likens her works to storytelling. Nicole Whisenhunt uses precious stones and metals as her canvas and creates a fantastic narrative that is both art and accessory. At 30, she has vowed to stay with her career in jewellery design. “I try to learn as much as I can about everything that has to do with it,” she says. The designer has met fascinating people instrumental to her artistry throughout her journey.
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“It’s a job that fulfils me, especially when my clients are happy or when my team and I come up with beautiful pieces. My commitment and dedication to my chosen path motivate me to do better each time.” The artist expects to release a new collection in 2023. “I have been working on new pieces since last year; I am also working on growing my vintage section at my shop since I truly love hunting for such special estate pieces,” she says.
Read more: Her home: how Nicole Whisenhunt prepares for a Christmas feast
MARIGRACE REANO
Marigrace Reano of “MJorian” is known for creating jewellery made of copper wire. In an interview, she reveals that her talent developed during her childhood. “Creativity has already been there since I was young. I used to have sticker and stationery collections that feature various sketches.” Even as a doting mother of three, Reano still keeps her passion for designing.
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“I did not expect that I could make a living out of my creativity. Power and strength are difficult to grasp these days, but having a great circle of friends and your family being there is such a big deal.” Beloved clients of MJorian include Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, and Miss Philippines 2009 Bianca Manalo.
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ERICA CONCEPCION-REYES
This jeweller always had a keen eye for striking antique materials that she turned into mesmerising accessories. The designer, whose favourite materials are corals, coloured gemstones, pearls, diamonds and vintage coins, has always been inspired by her great-grandmother, Doña Victoria Lopez-Araneta.
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“I sincerely love what I do. There is a certain fulfilment in sourcing and creating beautiful and one-ofa-kind jewellery pieces; they enrich life and make life more beautiful. It is always a joy to see the delight they bring to my clients,” she tells Tatler. “I want them to feel happy and confident. Every piece of jewellery must bring joy and enrich life.”
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Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
