When it comes to ultimate luxury, jewelry is often at the top of the list. With its use of natural gemstones and precious metals, jewelry pieces are not just meant to adorn one’s look; they are status symbols. It takes a long time for artisans to craft these materials into something wearable. Moreover, the process of acquiring gems of a certain color and carat can take years.
While the earth does much of the work in creating the materials for these exquisite pieces, it is the designers who imagine them into something wearable—something that can be considered art. No one understands this better than Nicole Whisenhunt. the jewelry designer behind the Whisenhunt brand shared her passion for both new and vintage jewelry through the “Gilded and Golden” exhibit.
Showcased at the Leon Gallery International Plaza in collaboration with Blah Blah Inc., the exhibit featured an array of vintage jewelry pieces that Nicole has collected over the years. Displayed inside glass boxes were jewelry pieces—from Italian and French designs to those from the Art Deco, 1970s, and 1980s eras—by some of the world's most noted jewelry designers, including Paloma Picasso, Louis Fiessler, Julia Plana, and Marina B, the granddaughter of the founder of Bulgari. Also on display were an antique Cartier diamond-studded dress watch, a vintage pair of Bulgari earrings with colored gemstones, and a pair of shell earrings by Andrew Clune.
During the exhibit earlier this month, Manila Bulletin Lifestyle had the opportunity to sit down with Nicole as she discussed her vintage jewelry collection, her design process, and jewelry-making as an artistic medium.
First of all, how long did it take for you to complete the pieces?
Many of them are the culmination of years of collecting vintage pieces. My most recent inventory replenishment was just a few months ago as I prepared for the show. Usually, when I replenish, I take a trip to several places and try to find pieces that I think are beautiful, offer good value, and have longevity.
Do you have any favorite pieces from the display?
The earrings I’m wearing are from Bulgari from the 1970s. The other piece is a choker by Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co. Tiffany, unlike many brands, puts their designers at the forefront, like Elsa Peretti and Angela Cummings. That specific piece dates from the 1980s to the 1990s, but I feel like the pieces are still relevant to today’s look.
You also presented pieces that you designed. Can you share the story behind them?
I prefer to design more modern pieces. When I wear jewelry, I don’t just wear vintage pieces. I like to mix and match them to complement each other, not that they necessarily have to be a set. I try to avoid pieces that look like they belong to a set. Instead, I focus on pieces that look good together. I always think that if you wear something that feels old-world, you might need something to contrast it, making the overall look more contemporary.
For you, is jewelry fashion or art?
It is art, but it is also fashion. Of course, not everything is art. There’s mass-produced jewelry, and there are pieces created with intention. Jewelry-making is another form of artistic expression. Just as people paint on canvas, create installations, or perform art, jewelry serves as a medium of art.
Discover more about Nicole’s vintage jewelry pieces and her own designs at the Whisenhunt store in Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City.