In love with jewels

Ever since I was a child, my eyes were drawn to fine jewelry as both my parents had their own collections handed down to them by their respective families. One of the best childhood memories I have was opening my mother’s treasure box and, at a young age, I could differentiate various precious stones and styles.  Oftentimes, it was a treat to accompany my mother to her personal jeweler who did an amazing job in giving a new look to the old pieces she had inherited.

A young jeweler that has caught my eye is Kristine Dee, who took up her master’s degree in Industrial Design in 2001 at the prestigious Pratt Institute in New York. However, she wandered into the school’s jewelry department’s metal shop and found the process interesting so she ended up making her own jewelry, which she wore in class. From then on, she was hooked and jewelry making became one of her life’s passions.

Pink Venus earrings in 14k rose gold convertible to pendant with morganite, diamonds and 14k rose gold chain accent (right) Pebble earrings in 14k yellow and white gold, which can be converted into a pendant, with multi- colored sapphires and diamonds

Kristine’s background as an industrial designer became the backbone of her jewelry designs with attention given to function, form and proportion.

“I am always challenged by how the manufacturing process can be pushed to the limit, and to create designs and connections that give a multi function appeal to a piece.  I have a number of well-engineered pieces, which illustrate my industrial design background. This gives added purpose, value, and charm to the jewelry and, at the same time, offers a ‘recycling and re-use appeal’ but in a truly elegant and fashionable way.  I think people will be curious to see how bracelets can magically turn into pendants and brooches, too,” Kristine enthuses.

Nautilus earrings in 14k white gold with pink tourmaline and diamonds (right) Vanda Brule’ ring in rose, yellow and white gold ring with brilliant cut diamonds

With several solo and group exhibits under her belt, Kristine has shown her mettle at being a top class artist with her creativity and artistry. A believer in keeping our environment safe, she recycles old gold and precious stones to come up with stunning pieces in the 21st century.

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Kristine Dee also accepts commissioned work. For inquiries, call or Firma, Greenbelt 3, Makati at 757-4009 to 10, SMS 0917-8950816, e-mail inquiry@kristinedee.comor visit www.kristinedee.com .