By Cynthia Unninayar
The true beauty of the creations by Jewelmer is on two levels. First is the brand’s exquisite jewellery made from the natural golden pearls that it cultivates in the ocean waters of the Philippines. Second is the brand’s active participation in protecting the environment.
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Jewelmer, the world’s leading producer of golden pearls, was started in 1979 by the visionary French perliculture expert, Jacques Branellec, and Filipino entrepreneur, Manuel Cojuangco. What sets this company apart from most others is not just the high quality of its living golden gems and luxurious jewellery, but also the brand’s philosophy and determination to protect the environment and promote sustainability projects for the local population. Jewelmer’s jewellery is a perfect blend of European and Asian creativity, artistry, and craftsmanship, combining the lustrous golden pearl—which needs no polishing or enhancements to release its inner glow—with 18K gold, diamonds, and coloured gemstones. Ranging from simple pendants to elegant strands to sumptuous pieces worthy of the red carpet, the jewellery of Jewelmer is like no other.
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Behind these extraordinary pearls lies thirty years of research and experimentation to provide the best environment for the oysters, which allows them to create these golden organic gems. And, for oysters to live and thrive, this environment means clean seawater at constant temperatures. But, there are threats to this environment. Industrial pollution, erosion, and siltation put the health and lives of the oysters at risk, while destructive fishing methods— especially those using dynamite and cyanide—can dramatically harm the fragile marine ecosystem. And, along with global warming comes rising sea temperatures— even a two-degree change can prove fatal to the oysters.
“The pearl is an indicator of the health of the planet,” says Jacques Branellec, managing director of Jewelmer and avowed environmentalist. “It records every nuance in the cleanliness of the water, every change in temperature, every disturbance caused by a dynamite blast. If we preserve nature, we will continue to have pearls. If mankind does not respect our environment, the pearl industry might just vanish, as it has already done in some parts of the world.”
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While Jewelmer’s management readily states that maintaining a clean environment is in its best interest, the philosophy of protecting the environment goes much deeper and is deeply ingrained in the entire company. This social and environmental awareness is also seen in various initiatives that Jewelmer has undertaken to teach the local population sustainable farming techniques for a better life, and to help stop the detrimental slash and burn activities, as well as destructive fishing. The company also contributes to other environmental protection and education efforts in the local islands.
A company with a conscience, Jewelmer will continue to help protect the environment as well as provide the world with its beautiful eco-gold creations.
