Angela Angeles fishes for inspiration from the sea

MANILA, Philippines -For thousands of years the sea has spurred great mythologies, poetry, films, songs and art. This time local jewelry designer and gemologist, Angela Angeles, takes inspiration from the pellucid Philippine waters for her second jewelry collection titled “Sea Goddess” at Firma in Greenbelt 3. 

“I wanted to create a line that would showcase our country’s abundant source of organic gem materials,” says Angela Angeles. “I experimented a lot. I used Baroque pearls, mother-of-pearl, fresh water pearl, nautilus shell, kamagong wood (Philippine hardwood), Carabao horn and boar tusk. I find that these materials are so beautiful when combined with precious stones and crystals. Also, it gives classic pieces an edgier, more updated style.”

Angela has a degree in architecture at the University of Santo Tomas. And while studying, she joined the Philippine Jewelry Design competition where she was finalist in two categories. This propelled her to further pursue her passion and take summer courses at the Central Saint Martins school of Design for Jewelry. She continued on to work with Burmese jewelry designer Wynn Wynn Ong and was later granted a full scholarship for her gemology program at the Gemological Institute of America.

In October 2012, Angela launched her first collection “Fierce Angel,” which was well received and highly commended by fellow designers and jewelry enthusiasts.

“The collection embodied stylish, feminine, classic designs. It was fresh, sweet and angelic,” Angela says.

For “Sea Goddess," her pieces are all labor-intensive, involving handcarving, polishing, lost-cast waxing, gold-plating and dipping. “People are starting to appreciate jewelry as art pieces. They are after all, sculptural, wearable art pieces which takes as much time, effort and talent,” Angela says.

As for the title of the exhibit, Angela says she had goddesses in mind during the creation process. “They have always fascinated me, their grace, splendor and strength. I wanted to make something for the modern day goddesses. Strong, confident women who exude elegance.”

Complimenting her jewelry pieces is a painting collection, displaying Angela’s dexterity with watercolor. Through gentle brush strokes the artist attempts to capture the fluidity of fish and capture colors and texture of the bountiful seabed.

“‘Fierce Angel' and 'Sea Goddess’ are part of a bigger collection titled ‘Angels and Goddesses,’” explains Angela. “Later this year I plan to launch another collection, Earth Goddess. This time I want to experiment with rocks, gems and animal motifs.”

Angela’s exhibit is slated from April 12 to 13 at Firma, ground floor, Greenbelt 3.

For inquiries, call 757-4009, SMS 0915-7859544  or e-mail firma2@vasia.com.