The golden South Sea pearl stars in the magnificent creations of luxury pearl brand Jewelmer, which is showcasing its latest collections at the Fine Design Pavilion of Jewellery& Gem WORLD Hong Kong (JGW) 2024.

Case in point is its La Mer En Majesté brooch in 18-karat yellow and white gold. Joyous sea life swirl in diamond-encrusted detail around a rare20.5-carat blue zircon produced by master cutter Philip Youngman. This painterly setting becomes the fitting complement to a 17.5mm round golden South Sea pearl suspended at its base, giving the impression that all of life springs from it.

Jewelmer is renowned worldwide for its exquisite golden South Sea pearls cultivated in the pristine waters of the Philippines. Established in 1979 through a collaboration between French pearl-culture specialist Jacques Branellec and Filipino entrepreneur Manuel Cojuangco, the company specialises in jewellery pieces that celebrate these extraordinary gems of the sea.

Other masterpieces available at Jewelmer’s booth include two 18-karat gold rings: La MerEn Majesté with a 16.3mm golden South Sea pearl surrounded by frills and swirls of diamonds weighing a total of 1.812 carats; and Belle de Nuit with two round 9mm golden South Sea pearls framed by delightful gold circles set with 3.32 carats of blue sapphires in a range of shades and made sparkly with diamonds.

Jewelmer, which is celebrating its 45thanniversary this year, combines French style with Filipino craftsmanship to create stunning pearl jewellery that epitomises elegance and sustainability. “We have a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, and our pearl operations emphasise marine conservation and community development,” the company said. “This harmonious blend of luxury and ecological responsibility has solidified Jewelmer’s reputation as a leader in the global pearl industry, dedicated to preserving the natural beauty that inspires its creations.”

The company recently expanded and redesigned five Jewelmer boutiques in the Philippines, with each shop thoughtfully conceptualised and created using locally sourced natural materials.

Alongside other retail concepts in development, it is also introducing an exclusive experience catering to its most discerning clients: Maison Jewelmer. Located at the heart of the Philippines’ central business district, the by-appointment-only private lounge is the largest Jewelmer boutique in the world and the first of its kind for the brand.

Drawing references from the pristine nature of its pearl farms and the golden South Sea pearl’s inherent allure, the company offers its clients a space that exudes warmth and luxurious comfort.

Jewelmer is likewise working on long-term projects and partnerships aimed at raising worldwide awareness of the South Sea pearl. New jewellery designs that revolutionise the pearl’s image while celebrating its status as a sustainable gem are also on the cards.

Onwards to the future

The next decades will prove critical to further elevating the South Sea pearl as a symbol of sustainable splendour. And Jewelmer will continue to be at the forefront of this objective.

Through education, Jewelmer hopes to engage with younger generations and instil in them the significance of sustainability and how pearls are products of impactful, long-term eco-friendly practices. Modern technology alongside support from the industry are also crucial to sustaining Jewelmer’s future.

Jewelmer CEO Jacques Christophe Branellecshared, “Pearl farming is a delicate balance between production and ecological preservation. With advances being made, embracing innovations like genetic selection for resilient oysters, ecofriendly cultivation techniques and clean energy use is vital to growth. We remain confident that the South Sea pearl’s legacy will keep flourishing and strengthening over time for generations to appreciate and admire.”