In this edition of ALPHA, fine jewelry designer and consummate host Nicole Whisenhunt shares the tastes, rituals, and ideas that shape her world.
Nicole Whisenhunt understands how the smallest details can leave the greatest impression. As a jeweler, she brings together precious stones, metals, craftsmanship, and history to create pieces intended to be treasured across generations. As a consummate host, she applies that same discerning eye to the table, composing memorable gatherings through food, flowers, beautiful objects, and, most importantly, good company.
She founded Whisenhunt Fine Jewelry, building a practice rooted in artistry and the preservation of handmade jewelry traditions in the Philippines. Working with second-generation goldsmiths, gem setters, polishers, and wax carvers, she creates pieces informed by different periods of art and design, each with its own meaning and story. Her interest in jewelry extends into the past through her appreciation and collection of vintage pieces.
That instinct for creating beauty continues at home. Known for her generous hospitality and richly considered tablescapes, Whisenhunt approaches entertaining much like she approaches jewelry: with an understanding of how every element contributes to the whole. Her gatherings make room for character, celebration, and conversation, offering another glimpse into a life led with curiosity and style.
ALPHA is Lifestyle Asia’s quick-fire series dedicated to figures who have shaped industries, built communities, and championed meaningful causes. In this edition, we sit down with Whisenhunt to discover the tastes, rituals, and ideas behind the jeweler and consummate host.
READ ALSO: ALPHA: In Conversation With Ana Lorenzana De Ocampo
What is your idea of the good life?
Good health, happiness, and peace of mind. That’s the foundation of a good life. Everything else is a bonus.
What is an overrated luxury?
Anything expensive simply for the sake of being expensive. For me, luxury is about soul, rarity, craftsmanship, and an interesting story.
What is on your nightstand?
A book, skincare, vitamins, sometimes a piece of jewelry I forgot to put away, and my phone, which I know shouldn’t be there.
What is a book everybody should read?
Ask me as a jeweler or someone who loves to cook, and I could give you a list of favorite jewelry and cookbooks. But if I had to choose one book for everyone, I’d say the Bible.
What is your favorite film?
I have quite a few favorites and, much like music, it depends on my mood. I’ll always have a soft spot for Nancy Meyers films and Julia Roberts rom-coms, but I love movies, both old and new. Documentaries too! Lately, I’ve been loving Zendaya as well.
What have you been listening to lately?
On a day-to-day basis, my listening range is quite wide, from jazz to pop, indie, even OPM. It all depends on my mood. Currently on repeat is Sienna Spiro’s “Material Lover.”
What is your current state of mind?
Grateful and content, but never complacent. Always looking forward.
What ritual brings you joy?
Cooking for people I love. Creating a menu, setting the table, lighting the candles, putting on some music. I love the little ritual of making people feel welcome.
What quality do you admire most in others?
Resilience, especially in people who have been through difficult things but haven’t lost their kindness or compassion along the way. Also, I appreciate those who always see the silver lining!
What is your pet peeve?
Inconsiderate people. It’s always good to be self-aware.
What skill do you wish to learn?
Better tech skills. I’m very comfortable with things made 100 years ago. Technology is another story.
What historical figure would you like to have dinner with and where?
Barbara Hutton, over a long dinner in Paris. I’d obviously want to talk about the jewelry, although I suspect the stories behind her life would be even more fascinating.
What is your signature drink?
Iced coffee or champagne, depending on the time of day. Sometimes a Diet Coke too!
What is your most prized possession?
Perhaps my curiosity and love of learning. They’ve led me to jewelry, history, the joy of design, and so many of the things I’m passionate about.
What is your most treasured memory?
Weekends at our family beach house as a child. Family and friends would gather, my grandfather would always have jazz music playing in the background speakers, and I loved sitting at the adults’ table listening to him tell stories, often humorous but always with a lesson to share. Those are memories that can never be replaced.
What is your boldest decision?
Building Whisenhunt. Choosing to build a career around something I genuinely love and am passionate about, rather than joining the family business, which would have been the more conventional path.
What’s the most useless advice you have received?
I don’t think there’s such a thing as useless advice. Advice always comes from a personal perspective, and there may or may not be something to take from it. Useless opinions, however, go in one ear and out the other.
What is your greatest regret?
In life, there will always be a lot of maybes and what-ifs. But I truly believe you are where you’re supposed to be. Make the best of what you have and keep moving forward. No real regrets.
Who keeps you grounded?
My family and my closest friends.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Good food!
What trend should make a comeback?
Silver.
What trend should stay in the past?
Matching jewelry sets. I like putting pieces together with a little more personality.
What’s your motto?
Never underestimate the power of kindness. It goes a long way.
How do you want to be remembered?
As a jeweler who brought beautiful and meaningful jewelry into people’s life stories, hopefully for generations to come.
What’s next for you?
Who knows where life will take me? Life is always full of surprises! Hopefully, more beautiful pieces to create, important vintage jewels to discover, more learning and adventures, and plenty of wonderful surprises along the way.
Photography by Kieran Punay of KLIQ, Inc.
