During the recent Zonta FilipinaZ fair at the Rockwell Tent, it was refreshing to see several young ladies display their creative works. What I found even more delightful was finding a mother-daughter tandem who had two separate booths showcasing their individual styles in jewelry and accessory designs.
Micki Olaguer, a 22-year-old jewelry designer, graduated cum laude at the University of the Philippines with a degree in Industrial Design (she garnered an award for Best Thesis). She was also granted a scholarship by the prestigious Gemological Institute of America and is now a certified GIA-accredited jewelry professional.
As a young girl, Micki was exposed to her mother Mona Ramon’s jewelry business and this passion directed her to take up Industrial Design where she was able to design furniture, toys and packaging. Despite limitless deadlines and lack of sleep, she enjoyed every minute of it. In her junior year, Micki realized that making jewelry was her forte.
After graduation, Micki worked under Janina Dizon-Hoschka where she learned more about gems and the jewelry business, igniting her passion further.
“I love poring over books about the beautiful architecture and artwork of different cultures. The ultimate challenge, of course, is to translate the bounty of inspiration into designs that haven’t been done before. My first collection Figmenta is inspired by color and whimsy. I took the title from the Latin words for color (pigmenta) and invention (figmenta),” Micki explains.
With Figmenta as Micki’s first collection, one can see culture and history as her inspiration with designs that blend the current with the past. Bold jewelry pieces stand out in hand-painted enamel set with semi-precious center stones — lapis lazuli, agate and jade set in 24k gold dipped brass. Her best-sellers — the stackable rings and cuff bracelets — are even more interesting because one can combine individual pieces to make a (fashion) statement. There are no rules on how to wear them. Micki’s only problem now is to offer the pieces in different sizes to accommodate her growing clientele.
Thai will be done
Mona Ramon’s 1987 Bangkok trip started her love affair with jewelry. She was fresh out of college when a Thai friend invited the then young Mona and her group mates to visit Thailand. The days would be filled with shopping forays and their Thai hosts would show them precious stones from their stone mine that produced rubies, blue sapphires, and green emeralds.? Back in Manila, the entrepreneurial Mona would have these stones set into rings, earrings, and crosses that she promptly sold to her schoolmates and friends.
Many decades later, Mona makes sure that she continues to use quality stones, specializing in made-to-order bridal sets and estate pieces. She makes sure to keep prices as reasonable as possible. Ever practical, she reminds me that “jewelry is a better investment compared to expensive clothes, bags, and shoes because over time, its value will not diminish.”
For inquiries, call Micki Olaguer at 0916-6955002, email hello@mickiolaguer.com; or Mona Ramon at 0917-8072249.
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For comments and ideas, email the author at jacinto.fa@gmail.com.