Cover Hans Brumann’s Golden Leaf collection envisions them wreathed in splendour
Hans Brumann’s Golden Leaf collection envisions them wreathed in splendour
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Hans Brumann
Hans Brumann reimagines fallen leaves—objects often withdrawn from our view—in its latest Golden Leaf collection
Some of the most famous works of art, such as Johannes Vermeer’s The Milkmaid or Vincent Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, do not feature grandiose figures but the simple beauty of the world around them. In the same vein, Hans Brumann has taken everyday occurrences and experiences and transformed them into extraordinary pieces of jewellery. Now, he embarks on a new journey: taking the potential of fallen leaves as a muse for his latest collection, the Golden Leaf.
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Above Hans Brumann’s craftsmanship exudes brilliance with the Golden Leaf collection
Hans Brumann’s craftsmanship exudes brilliance with the Golden Leaf collection
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Brumann, the man behind the eponymous jewellery house, mastered his craft across Europe in London, Geneva and Zürich. He later moved to the Philippines and founded Hans Brumann Inc in 1978, with the aim of manufacturing unique pieces of silver, gold and platinum with precious stones. The brand’s trained, in-house goldsmiths have upheld his philosophy of exceptional craftsmanship to the present day, evinced in the innovative and ingenious designs they create.
Brumann based the idea of the Golden Leaf collection after observing leaves strewn about on the pavement while on his morning walks. “I made a similar [one] in the late Seventies,” he recalled. “But there are no photographs, and I was inspired to make another.” There’s a raw feel to the collection, and it does not shy away from preserving the natural state that leaves are often found in. With a few notable exceptions, all pieces are moulded after leaves directly taken from the ground. In a time where almost everything is artificially done, it’s wonderful to see jewellery houses not just taking inspiration from nature but integrating it into their art form.
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Above Golden leaf ring with diamond
Above Linear leaf necklace
Golden leaf ring with diamond
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Above Maple leaf from Switzerland with black coral and diamond
Above Golden mango leaf ring with diamonds
Maple leaf from Switzerland with black coral and diamond
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To perfectly capture the unique shape of a fallen leaf, Brumann employed a technique called the lost-wax process. Molten gold is poured into a wax cast mould to take on a desired form, then the wax is removed so that their expert goldsmiths can begin to craft a stunning piece meticulously. Diamonds, pearls and a vibrant array of precious gemstones are used in each one. This inherent dichotomy between them and the jewels makes them all the more visible, prominent and alluring.
This contrast is displayed in a necklace with a golden mango leaf gently wrapping around a cut of citrine. Another mango leaf is also prominently affixed on a ring bordered by inlaid diamonds. Beyond this realistic approach, it also explores more abstract forms by using veins and negative space to form the overall shape of leaves in other necklaces and rings. The twists and turns play with your eyes, granting them an intensely captivating quality.
Above Abstract leaf vein necklace with diamonds
Above Linear leaf necklace
Abstract leaf vein necklace with diamonds
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The handcrafted water lily pad ring features small, polished orbs of gold that mimic the morning dew. Meanwhile, a necklace moulded after a maple leaf from Switzerland is filled with the subject’s imperfections: parts of it have been ripped by the passage of time, the edges wrinkled, and its appearance greatly weathered. But it finds beauty in these aspects all the same.
Brumann’s Golden Leaf collection reflects its unparalleled creativity, craftsmanship and legacy. Each piece is meant to be cherished for a lifetime, then passed on to the next generation for them to appreciate and admire. It is not content with leaning on any one single style or form. Where others may see nothing but the mundane, the jewellery house sees brilliance.
Attend the unveiling of the Golden Leaf collection on September 11, 2025, at Galerie Hans Brumann in Parkview Condominium, Legaspi Village, Makati City. The pieces will later be on display at their stores in Legazpi Village and Powerplant Mall. Visit @hansbrumann on 106 Instagram and hansbrumann.com.
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Credits
Photography: Hans Brumann
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.
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Tobias is a features writer that specialises in branded content. Reach out to him at tobias.tomas@tatlerasia.com.
