Local jewelers Janina Dizon, Benjo Bautista, Kristine Dee, Paul Syjuco, and Suzette Ayson reveal inspirations that bring their creations to life.
Local jewelers weave stories of heritage, nature, and personal journeys into their intricate designs. Inspired by the world around them, these artisans draw from the rich tapestry of their cultural backgrounds and poignant moments in their lives. Each piece they create is a testament to their dedication, transforming raw materials into exquisite works of art that capture the essence of their inspirations. Lifestyle Asia had the privilege of talking with homegrown talents who aspire to evoke deep emotions and connections in their designs. They hope their creations will resonate with their clients on a personal level and bring wonder, elegance, and individuality.
READ ALSO: LA Asks Filipino Furniture Designers: What Inspires Your Design Process?
Kristine Dee
Kristine, how long have you been creating jewelry?
“We started in 2003 and have been creating since then,” she responded. She pertained to her brand, Kristine Dee Jewellery.
How do you approach the creation of your jewelry pieces?
“For both bespoke and ready to wear pieces, we do a lot of concept generation, product development and refinement, and working in collaboration with our clients,” she said. “The pieces reflect their style, enhance their beauty while echoing Kristine Dee Jewellery’s design aesthetics and craftsmanship.”
Where is Kristine Dee Jewellery in 10 years?
“We wish to be known not only for our quality and design, but also for how we make each of our clients feel when they come to us and put on our pieces,” she answered.
What do you want your clients to feel when wearing your designs?
Kristine said jewelry is a personal experience. Each piece celebrates important moments and their beauty. “We want to honor that with them through our masterpieces,” she remarked.
Paul Syjuco
How many years have you been designing and crafting jewelry?
Paul Syjuco has been creating jewelry for 25 years. He marveled at how quickly time has passed, indicating a deep passion and dedication to his craft. “Time flies,” he commented.
How do you approach the design and creation of your jewelry?
Paul’s creative process starts with a commitment to continuous learning.
“I really take the time to read and learn and travel and fill my mind with concepts,” he shared. “I just let ideas flow when I’m on the drawing board. I’m also hands on with our workshop so I can infuse technical knowledge, gemology, and art seamlessly with design. Inspiration can be driven by the materials, like unusual or special gems. Or, for commissions I have to balance personalities with my design aesthetics.”
How do you envision the future of your brand a decade from now?
Syjuco has noticed a generational trend among his customers as he caters to a discerning clientele.
“What I’ve noticed recently is that those who I’ve made pieces for years ago bring their children for multiple events, like weddings. Now, their younger generations come in for their own milestones. It’s becoming generational. We’re privileged to be given the trust. I never set out to be a legacy brand but we’re glad we’re evolving that way.”
The enduring appeal of his handmade jewelry is a testament to the value and appreciation his clients have for his work.
What emotions or experiences do you wish to evoke in your clients through your designs?
“My designs usually have this feel of weight, of gravitas,” he expressed. “Whether a fun or statement piece I design for it to be in the essence of fine jewelry. Important and with impact; timeless with a twist. So, it’s something special.
Suzette Ayson
Can you share the duration of your experience in the jewelry industry?
Suzette Ayson has been involved in her business, JMA Jewelry, since she was 13 years old. “I’ve been assisting my Mom in the business,” she said. “ As JMA, I’ve been creating jewelry with our team of artisans since 1997, that’s 30 years.
What methods and techniques do you use to bring your jewelry ideas to life?
Suzette divulged that she bases her creative process with the latest trends in fashion.
“I update myself with the latest moods and movements in the industry,” she conveyed. “I create pieces that will compliment the current market trend. Beyond that, I source materials that would inspire me to come up with pieces that can be both unique and classic, which the wearer will value.”
She cited an example. “A material that inspires and influences my designs would be the natural form of a baroque pearl. Observing its irregularities encourages creativity from one piece to the next.”
What aspirations do you have for your brand over the next ten years?
Looking ahead, Suzette envisioned her brand to offer a variety of choices for clients, from classic to innovative designs and even vintage curations. “I envision creations that use gold, diamonds, pearls, and other gemstones in various ways,” she said.
Suzette hopes that with her daughters involved in the business, more of their generation will see the value of bespoke jewelry. She also wishes they develop a deeper appreciation for the creation process.
What message or sentiment do you aim to convey to your clients with your jewelry?
Suzette’s greatest joy as a designer is witnessing the sentimental value her clients attach to the pieces created by her team.
“I value the stories our jewelry can hold and tell for generations to come,” Suzette reflects. She strives to achieve an emotional connection and lasting significance with each piece, ensuring every creation carries a meaningful legacy for its wearer.
Janina Dizon
How long have you been creating jewelry?
“For as long as I can remember!” reflects Janina Dizon of Jul B. Dizon Jewellery. Trained by their mother, Jul, from a young age, she explained that the process of exploring creativity began with simple doodles. Her mother also taught and trained her ever since she was young.
The Dizon matriarch established Jul B. Dizon Jewellery in 1978.
“If she saw potential, she’d have it made by our goldsmiths,” she recalled. She illustrated how early exposure to the process instilled confidence to pursue jewelry making further. This foundation built a lifelong passion and dedication to the art.
What is your creative process?
The artisan emphasized the importance of being in a relaxed state of mind in describing her creative process. “I usually see inspiration when I’m traveling,” she said. She noted that new environments open her mind to ideas and help transform visions into jewelry. The tranquility and fresh perspectives gained while traveling play a crucial role in sparking creativity and guiding the design process.
Where do you see your brand in 10 years’ time?
Looking ahead, the jeweler hopes to be semi-retired in 10 years.
“As much as I love my work, I truly hope that my children, the fourth generation in my family, will run the business,” she shared. Janina desires for legacy and continuity, ensuring that the family tradition of jewelry making is passed down and preserved through generations.
What do you want your clients to feel when wearing your designs?
“Empowered, happy, and confident,” she expressed.
Benjo Bautista
When did you begin your journey in jewelry making?
Benjo Bautista of DE CAPRICHO said his parents founded the brand in 1967. “I started working with them and took over manufacturing in 1980,” he responded.
Can you describe the steps you take when creating a new piece?
Benjo revealed his creative process can unfold in two distinct ways. “It either begins with a design idea–a vision, a shape–or fabulous gems that simply speak to you. Both ways require pen and paper. I draw different versions of a design, experimenting with shapes, colors, and materials. There is elimination afterwards, like fine tuning or editing. [I] make sure the design is timeless and relevant over time. The best part [of creating] is the joy I feel when a piece produced is exactly how I envisioned it.”
What are your long-term goals for your jewelry brand?
Looking ahead, Benjo expected for their business to remain much the same in 10 years.
“Actually, I want it to remain small, artisanal, very personal,” the designer emphasizes. His goal is to maintain a close connection with each client, creating fine jewelry that appeals to discerning, tasteful individuals. This intimate approach ensures that DE CAPRICHO continues to be sought after by those who appreciate the finer things in life.
How do you hope your clients feel when they wear your jewelry?
“Happy,” Benjo simply answered. “That is what is most important–the kind of happiness defined by feeling beautiful, classy, and confident. I want my clients assured that the piece they are wearing is both tasteful and valuable.”
Photos courtesy of Janina Dizon, Benjo Bautista, Paul Syjuco, and Suzette Ayson.
