“Jewelry is an investment.” Those are the words many say when it comes to purchasing fine jewelry. And it is just right. With it being made of precious metals and stones and its ability to stay in your closet for years, acquiring one definitely gives shoppers their money’s worth. But apart from its value, what also makes jewelry a true investment is how it encapsulates the best moments in life and immortalizes the stories of the artisans who dedicated their lives in making beauty out of the materials forged by nature.
That’s what homegrown brand Atelier 818 is all about, preserving memories and celebrating Filipino craftsmanship through thoughtful-designed jewelry pieces. Led by jeweler and design couple Miguel and Niña Cuenca, the brand has gained a large following online and has been featured by international style bibles like British Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle. After years of doing private truck shows and pop-ups, the brand is ready to welcome more people to discover its works with the opening of its retail store at SM Aura Premier in Taguig City.
What can be defined as a “dream jewelry house,” Atelier 818’s store features the brand’s designs crafted by goldsmiths, polishers, and stone setters in Lipa, Batangas. “Our vision is to make it a house of dreams, where ideas can be discussed, collaborations formed, and dreams visualized.” Niña says.
While the height of the pandemic called for brands to shift into digital platforms, having a physical store this time not only legitimizes one’s brand, but also allows it to offer unique experiences to customers which cannot be translated online.
“The heart of our creative process is being able to connect directly with our clients—to understand and visualize their dreams, their taste, and make their dreams happen,” Niña muses.
A testament to that connection is the brand’s relationship with Mikaela Lagdameo. So, to mark its newest chapter, Atelier 818 launches its collaboration line with socialite and model, a collection designed to immortalize the best moments in life to handcrafted jewelry pieces.
Much like the brand, Mikaela believes in the power of jewelry to capture and tell a story. For her collection, dubbed “Chapters,” she went on a retrospective journey, looking back at the stages of her life and the people she met, and put them at the heart of her collections through symbols. It is divided into three parts. The first one features charms that mirror her tattoos. The second part features bangles and cigar bands that can be personalized and engraved with words that empower the wearer. Last are the pieces imbued with the ampersand symbol.
“I love jewelry that has a lot of meaning,” Mikaela tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “Each charm means something to me. The cross reflects my faith, the wine glass symbolizes my friends, and the ampersand is like my story. This year has been the hardest for me. That symbol means ‘yes and,’ like my story doesn't end. There is always something to it. There is no dead end. It is a good reminder that there is something to look forward to.”
Other notable pieces from the collection are the anklets, arm and ankle cuffs, and belly rings, which are perfect for men and women who love to wear their jewelry pieces a little extra. The 19-piece collection’s pieces are made of white, yellow, and rose gold, dotted by brilliant cut diamonds. They can be stacked, layered, and played with the collection's many charms, allowing fashion savants to create new looks.
“I love practical, universal pieces,” Mikaela says. “Jewelry is an investment and it is nice to see it as a multi-use piece.”
The “Chapters” collection is available for six months at Atelier 818’s store and online platform. To know more about it, visit @atelier818jewelry on Instagram.