JEWELRY AS IDENTITY

I believe that jewelry reflects identity. You choose the beauty that you put on: what makes you feel good, what reflects you. In 2017 when thinking about identity, I focused on my Filipina ethnicity and what makes it whole. I mixed pearls with classic honey my heart styles for that touch of love and reminiscent of my Lala’s pearls. In 2019 I created a line titled Dalaga, which focused on Tagalog words like “Mahal Kita” meaning I love you, and “Salamat” meaning thank you to create the engraved line, plus more pearls. Then later in 2019, I focused on the Filipino sun in creating a jewelry collection unlike any other at the time. The Filipino sun is universally known among the Filipina/x/os in the diaspora. It is a shared symbol of identity. The sun is part of us, it embraces us and celebrates us, it shines on us and makes us glow, it is meaningful visibility. The jewelry you wear is part of the beauty you share.