Cover Adam Pereyra talks about the sentiment of gold and his partnership with goldsmith Oslog
Adam Pereyra talks about the sentiment of gold and his partnership with goldsmith Oslog
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Jewellery designer Adam Pereyra talks about the immaterial value of gold and how a chance encounter with a heritage goldsmith forged a new path forward
Adam Pereyra was a bit of a magpie growing up. Earlier years saw this future jewellery designer collecting shards of glass from soda bottles on the streets, captivated by the way they broke into unique shapes. To him, these were more than litter. “I remember almost losing a childhood friend because her grandfather caught us collecting hazardous objects from the ground,” he recalls. The allure of these seemingly worthless objects never faded; now, it has become more of a formal passion.
It was his grandmother who properly introduced him to jewellery and instilled in him an appreciation for the value of gold. “She wore nothing less than gold,” Pereyra muses. “She also taught me the importance of marking life’s celebrations.” This connection made him realise that gold is more than its material value; it reflects a legacy of intricacy and sentimental meaning passed through centuries.
“Gold is a precious material, holding many important symbols in my life—from my grandmother to our culture. Our ancestors imprinted their time through their craft, and it now stays with us after hundreds of years.”
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Above A portrait of jewellery designer Adam Pereyra (Photo: Karl King Aguña)
A portrait of jewellery designer Adam Pereyra (Photo: Karl King Aguña)
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His journey took a turn when he met Ely Arcilla Jr, known as “Oslog,” at an artisan-led event. Pereyra found him quietly working at his table, offering demonstrations of his craft. Already a 30-year veteran in goldsmithing, this deeply traditional practice turned out to be a trade he learned from his father, 1990 National Folk Artist for jewellery-making Ely Arcilla, Sr.
At that point, Pereyra had been designing jewellery for other brands but had yet to release a collection under his own name. Many other designers had found his designs too perplexing to realise. However, in Oslog, he found a kindred spirit, and their collaboration came about naturally.
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Above Adam Pereyra and Ely Arcilla Jr, known as “Oslog” (Photo: Karl King Aguña)
Above Oslog sits at his workshop (Photo: Karl King Aguña)
Adam Pereyra and Ely Arcilla Jr, known as “Oslog” (Photo: Karl King Aguña)
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Their partnership is rooted in a desire to explore how far the craft could take itself in the future—while still honouring the legacy of its past. “Reviving ancient techniques that have been lost through time is important to us. However, what’s different now is that we’re solidifying a new tactical language in our pieces, refining image-making, and reconnecting with our roots through proper storytelling,” he reflects. “Both Oslog and I can envision what might be beyond.”
Pereyra describes their collaborative process as rigorous, often involving debate and careful reasoning to arrive at a shared understanding. Their relationship functions within a teacher-apprentice framework, with ideas bouncing back and forth until they settle on something that feels complete.
Oslog’s engineering process ensures that each piece reflects its fullest potential, while their combined energies in the creative process makes sure. This synergy ensures that the message they send to their world through their jewellery is as important as the pieces themselves.
Above Hacienda Diamond Drop Earrings by Adam Pereyra Jewelry (Photo: Borgy Angeles)
Above Sun Chief Medallion and Ala-Ala Necklace by Adam Pereyra Jewelry (Photo: Borgy Angeles)
Hacienda Diamond Drop Earrings by Adam Pereyra Jewelry (Photo: Borgy Angeles)
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“We complete a piece through argument and reasoning until a viable idea emerges. His engineering expertise allows the product to reach its peak,” the jewellery designer shares. “How we create images and compose words is vital. How we send this message to the world is what sets us apart—it requires great thoughtfulness.”
The pair have mastered increasingly complex techniques, such as crafting delicate one-inch gold baskets to cradle precious grains of rice, to intricate alfajor necklaces with features so small they were no larger than a fingernail. Together, they imbue a provincial, rural feeling to these valuable objects, immortalising them in this fine material.
Above Golden Palay by Adam Pereyra and Oslog (Photo: Borgy Angeles)
Above Golden Woven Bilao by Adam Pereyra and Oslog (Photo: Borgy Angeles)
Golden Palay by Adam Pereyra and Oslog (Photo: Borgy Angeles)
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Looking forward, they both see endless possibilities for Filipino jewellery, coming from a shared goal to push boundaries while staying true to the spirit of their craft. To them, collaboration is not just about producing these beautiful objects; it is also about giving voice to the artisans behind the scenes.
“For Philippine jewellery, it’s about continuing to explore what’s next—new shapes, new silhouettes, new systems and mechanisms, all while retaining its character, wit, and spirit.”
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About
Julianna has been interested in leading a literary life since she first read Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess at eight. Before working with Tatler, she was an archive intern at The Center for Fiction in Brooklyn, New York. She is a textbook Pisces who devotes most of her spare time to her crochet projects, watching classic films, and going through her never-ending pile of unread books. She studied creative writing, global literature and art history at Sarah Lawrence College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2022. Toni Morrison, Nora Ephron, Clarice Lispector and Jia Tolentino are among her all-time favourite writers.
Work
Julianna writes about fashion, beauty, sustainability, and the arts. She is always keen on conducting interviews with talented women who are changing the game in their respective fields.
For event invites and story leads, hit her up at julianna.cabili@tatlerasia.com
