Cover Doña Margarita Zóbel de Ayala (centre) with family members, circa 1950 (Photo: León Gallery)
Doña Margarita Zóbel de Ayala (centre) with family members, circa 1950 (Photo: León Gallery)
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Happening on October 26 at 11am is the much-anticipated online auction of León Gallery, which includes select jewellery items from the late Doña Margarita Zóbel de Ayala
Doña Margarita Zóbel de Ayala’s jewellery collection is one of the highlights of the upcoming 33rd León Exchange Online Auction on October 26. Featuring pieces from the early 20th century, the opulent series showcases the legacy and influence of one of the country’s foremost families in the business, art, and philanthropy sectors.
Having lived a life of luxury and glamour, Doña Margarita Zóbel de Ayala was a Spanish-German mestiza heiress from the prominent family that shaped the country’s cosmopolitan character after gaining independence from colonial regimes. She was the fourth child and first daughter of Trinidad de Ayala y Roxas and Don Jacobo Zóbel y Zangroniz, who would eventually build Ayala y Compania in 1877 with his cousin-in-law, Pedro Pablo Roxas.
Read more: The brilliant life and turbulent times of Don Jacobo Zóbel y Zangroniz
Above Portrait of Doña Margarita Zóbel de Ayala, wife of Antonio Melián y Pavía
Portrait of Doña Margarita Zóbel de Ayala, wife of Antonio Melián y Pavía
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Coming from the first generation in the Philippines of the said illustrious family, Doña Margarita Zóbel de Ayala married Antonio Melián y Pavía, Conde de Peracamps, for strategic business reasons. However, their marriage blossomed, and they were blessed with six children: Sylvia, Leopoldo, Eduardo, Raul, Elena, and Alfredo.
Antonio Melián y Pavía with Doña Margarita Zóbel de Ayala, circa 1910
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Upon getting married, the couple left for Lima, Peru and returned to Manila in 1910 to establish El Hogar Filipino. This building company issued mortgages for real estate properties. Furthermore, the couple headed Filipinas Compania de Seguros, which is now known as the BPI/MS Insurance Company. They also built the beautiful beaux-arts structure in Binondo, Edificio El Hogar, a statement piece that showcased the couple’s professional zenith of success.
Read more: A closer look at the Ayala Corporation, the Philippines’s oldest conglomerate
Above Gold bracelet featuring an 1868 Spanish coin, crafted in 18-karat gold
Gold bracelet featuring an 1868 Spanish coin, crafted in 18-karat gold
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Named after her influential and trailblazing paternal grandmother, Doña Margarita Zóbel de Ayala lived up to the name by playing a role in massive business developments. She was a partner first and foremost, and her elegant familial ties made her a valuable asset in further solidifying the Zóbel de Ayalas for the years to come.
Although many of the Melian-Zóbel de Ayala family members eventually settled in Spain, Antonio and Margarita’s business ventures in the Philippines served as the foundation of the businesses under present-day Ayala Corporation.
Diamond ring with a 4-carat brilliant cut centre stone, set in 14-carat yellow gold
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Her jewellery collection, being auctioned off online at León Gallery, shows a glimpse of her enduring legacy. Two brooches with cut diamonds are sure to catch one’s attention, while the four rings—drastically different but equally beautiful—exude stunning gracefulness. This marvellous collection of jewellery is a testament to the beauty of the couple’s blessed marriage and achievements.
The collection is highlighted by a belle époque brooch with a 9.5-carat old European cut diamond, a flower-shaped brooch with old mine cut diamonds, a diamond ring with a brilliant cut centre stone, and a gold bracelet featuring an 1868 Spanish coin.
The 33rd Leon Exchange Online Auction will be held on October 26, 2024 at 11am. Browse the online catalogue by visiting leon-gallery.com
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
