Milestones

Jewelmer initially worked with the Badjao, a sea-faring ethnic group in Southern Philippines, to dive for oysters. The harvest would then be transported from the Sulu Islands to the island of Palawan.

Jewelmer’s first pearl farm was established in Palawan, Philippines. Not long after, the first experimental laboratory where oysters were raised in a hatchery was created. There, Jewelmer worked with Japanese grafters to culture South Sea pearls.

Moving beyond culturing precious South Sea pearls, Jewelmer opened its first jewelry workshop.

Jewelmer opened its first retail showroom in the Philippines at The Peninsula Manila, a five-star hotel at the heart of the capital’s business district. The hotel is home to various local and international luxury boutiques.

After a decade of careful, patient study, and several harvests of white and silver pearls, the rare golden pearls were successfully cultured.

Alongside other prestigious jewelry brands like Cartier and Mikimoto, Jewelmer displayed its jewelry in an exhibition in the Principality of Monaco, where the brand garnered the admiration of their Prince Rainier III.

While searching for a basket of oysters displaced from its line, one of the Bugsuk pearl farm’s divers discovered the Pandanan wreck. This was the site of a Chinese junk shipwreck dating from the 15th century that carried almost 5,000 treasures of porcelain, earthenware, Chinese coins, and other rare items that are now on display at the Manila Museum.

Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos declared the golden South Sea pearl as the country’s National Gem. In honor of this recognition, the Philippines’ one-thousand peso note, the currency’s highest denomination, features the South Sea pearl on the bill.

Jewelmer founded the Save Palawan Seas Foundation (SPSF), a non-profit organization that aims to create workable and sustainable livelihood alternatives for communities in Palawan, Philippines. Projects include medical missions, coastal clean ups, organic farming, and other initiatives that seek to empower both the communities and the environment.

Jewelmer opened a showroom in Japan, located in the Mitsukoshi department store in Nihonbashi, one of Tokyo’s busiest commercial districts.

After 37 years, the Palawan strand, a string of perfectly matched golden South Sea pearls, was finally completed and unveiled to the public. The decades-long feat of matching pearls of such a remarkable size, shape, color, and luster makes this Jewelmer’s rarest strand.

Jewelmer launched the Jewelmer x Wynn Wynn Ong collection which featured one-of-a-kind pieces inspired by the fascinating forms of the natural world. Wynn Wynn Ong, a prolific designer and philanthropist, is the first designer Jewelmer has collaborated with.

Maxine Medina, Miss Universe Philippines 2017, wore a headpiece created by Jewelmer as part of her national costume for the prestigious international pageant. Symbolic of the connection amidst the diversity in the country, the elegant arcs of the headpiece bloom into South Sea pearls – the Philippines’ national gem.

Jewelmer partnered with the ICanServe Foundation for their annual fundraising fashion show, Fashion Can Serve. In support of the cause to raise awareness about breast cancer, Jewelmer launched the Why We Fight bracelet.

Jewelmer launched We Create Hope, a campaign with Save Palawan Seas Foundation (SPSF) which promotes creativity and environmental conservation. Proceeds from the sale of the Pearl of Hope bracelet benefit the foundation’s environmental initiatives and community and livelihood programs.

In partnership with Philippine Tatler, Jewelmer hosted the first exclusive preview screening of Power of Pearl: The Farm Beneath The Sea at the SM Aura Premier. Directed by Ahbra Cale Perry and R.T. Higgins, the film is a poignant documentary about resiliency, sustainability, and climate change from the perspectives of pearl farmers in countries vulnerable to climate change.

Jewelmer’s flagship store in the United States opened at the prestigious Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, Florida, one of the most esteemed fashion districts in the world. The brand’s presence along this four-block avenue lined with international luxury boutiques exemplifies Jewelmer’s reach of new frontiers.

On its 40th anniversary, Jewelmer unveiled a new identity — one that is in line with both its esteemed heritage and pioneering vision. Symbolic of the brand’s collaborative philosophy and its exceptional craftsmanship, Jewelmer’s emblem marks the beginning of the brand’s visionary strides into the future.

In partnership with Ysagem’s, Jewelmer launched its exquisite collections at the Salon Auguste of Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo in Monaco.

Jewelmer published its coffee table book entitled Jewelmer: Beyond the Golden Pearl, a book that illustrates Jewelmer’s journey and the numerous creations brought to life since its humble beginnings.

At the Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Gala Night, Jewelmer proudly unveiled the La Mer en Majesté Crown. A remarkable homage to the vibrant culture and history of the Philippines, the Miss Universe Philippines crown is inspired by Jewelmer’s La Mer en Majesté collection.

In partnership with The Mind Museum, Jewelmer unveiled its new Pearl of the Orient exhibit. This exhibit is the first of its kind, exploring the story of our lands and seas through the journey of the national gem, the South Sea Pearl — a living treasure infused with Filipino culture and creativity.

At the Miss Universe 2024 Crown Unveiling, Jewelmer proudly unveiled the first ever Filipino-crafted crown for Miss Universe. The one-of-a-kind creation is the result of decades of Jewelmer’s savoir-faire and excellence. An exquisite homage to life and the rich artistry of the Philippines, the crown is the pride of the Philippines, carrying with it the extraordinary spirit of those who took part in its creation — from Jewelmer’s dedicated pearl farmers to Filipino master craftsmen.