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Jewelmer’s new exhibit is not only a homage to the South Sea pearl, but a sincere advocacy for the magnifying demand for sustainable marine practices
Known for its cherished centrepiece, the golden South Sea Pearl, international luxury brand Jewelmer has always put conservation and preservation at the forefront of its work. “Since Jewelmer was established in 1979, our company has been committed to building a sustainable community where man works in complete harmony with nature,” proclaims Jacques Christophe Branellec, Jewelmer’s executive vice president and CEO. “To be able to share the golden South Sea pearl, the national gem of the Philippines, with the rest of the world, is an honour and a privilege that comes with many responsibilities.”
The pearl is truly among Mother Nature’s rarest and most breathtaking miracles. Not only are they the world’s only living gems—since pearls can only thrive in pristine waters, they are also natural indicators of the health of the planet. Beyond its one-of-a-kind beauty and timeless allure, the pearl conveys the symbiosis between earth and man.
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Last Thursday, the 29th of September, Jewelmer proudly unveiled their interactive exhibit at The Mind Museum: the Pearl of the Orient, which will remain on display at the museum for 10 years. A heartfelt collaboration between both parties, the Pearl of the Orient grants visitors the opportunity to learn more about the country’s national gem while underscoring the exacerbating need for collective sustainability efforts. Across its many installations, the exhibit details the meticulous process of cultivating and harvesting pearls; depicts the spectacular growth of oysters across its lifetime; debunks common pearl myths; highlights other fascinating sea creatures; and most importantly, accentuates the interconnectedness of the sea with our ecology.
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The Pearl of the Orient is not just a story about the sea, it’s a story about connections: “with the forests, mangroves down there to the highest elevations, streams, rivers, as well as other habitats and the flora and fauna that make them our living Philippine spaces,” says Maribel Garcia, curator and managing director of The Mind Museum. “[The seas] weave the tapestry of life that sustains all of us Filipinos, in every way.”
To celebrate the momentous unveiling, Jewelmer and The Mind Museum hosted an intimate soiree complete with Cava, red wine, gin and tonic, and a selection of modern Filipino pass-around plates by Happy Ongpauco-Tiu. Jewelmer also screened its short film, A Golden Reflection. Directed by Sebastien Gilbert of Maldavar Films, the artistic two-minute piece followed a freediver through the depths of the sea, spotlighting the vibrant environment that houses the golden pearl as the narrator asserts “by taking care of the earth, we are taking care of each other.”
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The viewing was swiftly followed by a surprise performance by two talented dancers from the renowned studio, Steps. As the performers, clad in deep blue, gracefully balanced a golden ball between every twirl and stride, the performance elegantly captured the gentle flow, innate rhythm, and enduring strength of the seas. Choreographed by James Laforteza, the dynamic dance was a sincere homage to the pearl, moving some guests to tears.
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Visitors wandered freely through the Pearl of the Orient, presented with vouchers upon exit so they could explore the exhibit once more. Closing his address, Branellec shares “it is our hope that the Pearl of the Orient exhibit is an eye-opening experience for everyone, especially the youth and the next generations, as they hold the key to our sustainable future.”
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About
Lauren’s love for food came much later in life than one would expect— an obsession awakened in the streets of Melbourne’s multicultural dining scene. Armed with this newfound passion, she returned to the Philippines determined to discover the best eats in her home country, with a personal advocacy to champion local cuisines and homegrown talent. Nothing is off-limits; if it’s delicious, it’s worth celebrating.
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As Tatler Dining associate editor, Lauren covers all things food and drink, from listing the latest openings in our monthly Dining Radar to interviewing chefs and bartenders about the biggest obstacles crippling the industry today. Beyond the digital space, she also organises Tatler Dining’s tentpole events, including Off Menu and Tatler Dining Kitchen, as well as the annual Tatler Best Philippines awards night and guide launch, detailing the best restaurants in the country.
For leads and event invites, contact her via lauren@tatlerphilippines.com or follow her on Instagram at @laurengolangco.
Photo: Ralph Mendo
