Opulent Objects: Maison Jewelmer

Within the dynamic pulse of Makati’s business district, Maison Jewelmer is a sanctuary for a new standard of luxury. A penthouse haven perched high above the city’s urban thrum and conceived for communion rather than commerce, it unveils the world of the golden South Sea Pearl. Accessible only by invitation and appointment, the space reflects Jewelmer’s legacy.

From the moment one enters, Maison Jewelmer engages guests in a world where heritage and modern luxury converge. Every detail, from understated lighting to elegant furnishings, echoes the brand’s refined yet approachable ethos.

Founded in 1979 by Jacques Branellec and Manuel Cojuangco, Jewelmer quickly rose to international prominence by championing the beauty and rarity of the South Sea Pearl. Over the decades, the brand has built a legacy rooted in an unwavering commitment to excellence. With the introduction of Maison Jewelmer, the label has evolved further, moving beyond the confines of traditional luxury retail to present an immersive experience and evolution through its multi-faceted approach to luxury. It is a place where the brand’s history is interwoven with a forward-thinking vision and a celebration for craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

The Maison was also conceived as a gesture of gratitude to a loyal clientele that has supported the brand. “Maison Jewelmer is our way of giving back and expressing our gratitude to our clients, who have supported us through these years,” explains Jewelmer CEO Jacques Christophe Branellec. In his vision, the space serves as a venue where patrons can celebrate intimate milestones.

The architectural and interior design of Maison Jewelmer, developed by Paris-based La Meute Design and Communication, balances understated elegance and contemporary sophistication. A custom-made golden mother-of-pearl door serves as a symbolic threshold, hinting at the natural origins of the pearls. Collaborations with Cebu-based design teams Casa Selma and Obra Cebuana bring a distinctly local perspective, marrying Filipino craftsmanship with refined international design sensibilities. Meanwhile, installations by French-Filipina artist Olivia d’Aboville and a signature piece by Chinese artist Bukuk Chai underscore the global nature of Jewelmer’s creative vision. Historical artifacts and contemporary artworks that bridge the past with the present, including treasures salvaged from a 15th-century shipwreck alongside vibrant works by French artist and longtime friend of the brand, Thomas Godin, create a narrative that honors tradition while embracing innovation.

With its latest collection, Jewelmer blurs the lines between high-end jewelry and art with the launch of its objets d’Art collection. Drawing inspiration from nature’s most elemental forces—fire, water, earth, and air—each one-of-a-kind design centers on the rare South Sea pearl. Exceptional brooches are designed with the theme of Fire, an element of passion, and Water, an ode to boundless wonder and nature’s flow. Jewelmer’s necklaces were created as allusions to Earth, the mother of creation, and Air, the spirit of liberty, elements that promise strength and graceful fluidity.

The “Fire” brooch, a sublime testament to metamorphosis, blazes with vibrant hues of sapphire, ruby, and molten gold, mirroring the kinetic dance of flames. At its heart lies the South Sea pearl, encircled by meticulously wrought details that whisper of incandescent energy. The “Water” brooch, an ode to the boundless depths of pristine waters, embodies fluidity and serenity, its design echoing the gentle undulations that cradle the South Sea pearl, a poetic hymn to the profound and tranquil power of the sea. The “Earth” necklace, a celebration of life’s nurturing embrace, portrays a majestic bird nestled within a verdant mother- tree, symbolizing sanctuary and the earth’s life-sustaining spirit, with intricate textures and details reflecting the opulent bounty of the natural world. The “Air” necklace, an ethereal masterpiece, captures the fleeting beauty of wind-kissed landscapes, its delicate forms and fluid lines echoing the grace of swaying fields and boundless horizons, each element meticulously crafted to convey a sense of weightless motion.

Every element within Maison Jewelmer reflects a broader philosophy that values the integrity of the craft and the environment. Sustainability and responsibility are cornerstones of the Maison Jewelmer experience. Nurtured in pristine waters by skilled artisans, each pearl undergoes a meticulous process that spans years. The brand is deeply committed to ethical practices, ensuring every pearl is cultivated with the utmost care—weaving modern design to environmental and social responsibility.