Jewelry design and the business that comes with it are often seen as a world reserved for the affluent. It is a perception shaped by glittering storefronts, rare stones, and high-profile clientele. But for Filipino jewelry designer Gayle Guansing, founder and creative director of Gold and Stones, the story is far from that stereotype.

Recently, Gold and Stones opened its first pop-up store at Power Plant Mall in Makati City, marking a new chapter for the brand after years of private, by-appointment work. During the launch, Gayle shared how she carved her own path in the industry, from studying gemstones and building a business online to eventually showcasing her work on an international stage.

Born and raised in Cavite, Gayle moved to Manila as a working student to attend the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. She describes her beginnings as coming from “the poorest of the poor,” a reality that continues to shape her perspective.

Long before the polished displays and million-peso pieces, her journey began with curiosity. Growing up, she was fascinated by how jewelry was made and the stories behind each piece. That interest eventually led her to formally study gemology, a decision she describes as essential in a field where knowledge defines value.

“There was a moment when I realized I didn’t want to rely on what others were telling me,” she said, recalling an early trip with suppliers. “You really have to understand gemstones. Why something is valuable, why something is not.”

Her technical training, paired with an instinctive eye for design, became the foundation of her brand. Although she studied gemology, Gayle openly admitted that she has no formal background in design. Instead, her aesthetic evolved through years of creating bespoke pieces for clients.

Gold and Stones began modestly in 2015 as an online business. With limited funding, she relied on social media and a dedicated website to reach clients while balancing a corporate career as a marketing manager and running small ventures on the side, including a nail salon, a coffee shop, and a convenience store.

After nearly a decade of working independently, she expanded into a physical showroom in Makati in 2025. The recent pop-up offers a closer look at her work, which centers on structure, material integrity, and precision craftsmanship.

Her pieces are defined by weight and permanence. “Not light, not temporary. Something you feel the moment you wear it,” she said. This philosophy reflects her concept of “contemporary heirlooms,” jewelry designed to outlast trends and carry both emotional and material value.

At the heart of her process is collaboration with local artisans from Manila and Bulacan. Many of these craftsmen once focused on simple pieces, but through working with Gayle, they have expanded their skills to produce more intricate designs.

“As I grow, they also grow,” she said. “We challenge each other.”

Her commitment to craftsmanship took her to Milan, Italy, in 2023, when she was invited to participate in an international jewelry showcase. The opportunity came through Instagram, where curators discovered her bespoke creations and commissioned similar designs.

Rather than comparing herself with other designers, Gayle viewed the experience as a celebration of individuality. “Each artist has a different interpretation,” she said. “What made me proud was bringing our craftsmanship there.”

Among the pieces she presented was her “Into the Wild” collection, an intricate design inspired by the uncertainty of her journey. Featuring natural diamonds arranged in varied shapes, the piece reflects elements of nature, from flowers to the sun and a starry night sky. The necklace alone is valued at over a million pesos and remains one of her most personal works.

Equally personal is her signature “Birthday” collection. Originally created as a reward for herself, the piece features seven different diamond cuts, reflecting her desire for individuality and playfulness. What began as a personal milestone quickly resonated with clients and evolved into one of her most sought-after collections.

For Gayle, jewelry is not about display but about connection. She works closely with clients to create pieces that hold meaning, often incorporating subtle details known only to the wearer. Her clientele includes personalities like Dawn Zulueta and Joanna Preysler as well as private business figures. Regardless of who wears her designs, her goal remains the same: to create something that lasts.

Looking back, Gayle leaves something for those dreaming of becoming a jeweler from a humble background. “I don’t want young people to feel limited,” she said. “Nothing is impossible. The situation you’re in now, it doesn’t last.”

As Gold and Stones continues to grow, Gayle remains focused on purpose as much as profit. In a market driven by trends and luxury, she is building something more enduring: jewelry that carries stories, honors craftsmanship, and celebrates personal milestones.