The first thing that comes to mind when it comes to pearls is dignified elegance so it’s not surprising that it’s the very statement that I’ve associated with this piece of jewelry. It has become the go-to accessory, safest bet if you may, for stately events. The top-of-mind choice to wear with formal dresses and even business suits. It’s a fashionable ornament that can be both timeless and trendy, depending on how one would wear it.

Women can go for the typical serious route and opting for a single strand of the regular-sized pearls but to bring the conservative look to a certain level of hipness, choosing the lengthy strands, layered as well, is the best way to go. The latter, of course, will mean more money hence the popularity of the use of faux pearl accessories.

We’ll always associate wearing Pearls with elegance so we’re still bound by the solemnity of its reputation and will proceed with respect to our own personal style and, yes, the reach of our wallet. There is a reason why it’s identified with luxury. The most precious will definitely set you back a thick wad of money.

When I got an invite to a red carpet event that Jewelmer, the name synonymous with lustrous golden Palawan South Sea pearls, had hosted at the Ayala Museum earlier this month, I immediately envisioned an elegant night filled with stylish individuals esp since twas meant to celebrate the unveiling of the most luxurious magazine in the Philippines.

This luxurious periodical is a one-of-a-kind version of the 8th issue of Flow magazine, first ever to be curated by a luxury brand. This hardbound edition rests upon a handcrafted box of kamagong wood inlaid with Mother-of-Pearl alongside a lustrous golden South Sea pearl strand necklace and an engraved Mother-of-Pearl bookmark.

Unbelievable, yes? It wasn’t something that I had expected. I knew the event was about a magazine and of course pearls but a set clearly fashioned after passion? No, it definitely caught me off guard.

The issue, themed as Passion Flows speaks about Jewelmer’s various passions and is divided into six segments: Passion to Protect, Passion of the Filipino, Passion for Beauty, Passion of the Woman, Passionate Connections, Passion for Craftsmanship, and Passion for Perfection. Among those featured in this issue are works done by world-renowned underwater photographer Scott “Gutsy” Tuason, the Father of Philippine Photography Teodulo Protomartir, Fashion Designer Rhett Eala, Director Robby Carmona, sculptor Olivia d’Aboville, and journalist Alya B. Honasan.

It fell on the capable hands of Juan Caguicla, guest creative director for Flow 8 as well as Executive Editor Patrick Apacible to translate Jewelmer’s passions into a milestone issue of the magazine. Jewelmer had been open to exploration and experimentation. What happened was what Apacible described as “an endless stream of creativity and a Eureka moment’s wet dream.” The result of this creative collaboration is a Flow magazine unlike the others done in the past.

Past curators of the premier art, culture, and design magazine include Miguel Rosales, Kenneth Cobonpue, Chito Vijandre, Ricky Toledo, Joey Yupangco, Cesar Gaupo, and Ariel Lozada. Each issue of Flow brings to life the artistic vision of their curators through various media such as photographs, poems, paintings, and essays.

Issues of Flow 8 will be available in National Bookstore, Fully Booked, Powerbooks and leading magazine kiosks beginning 19 November 2010 while Jewelmer’s exquisite South Sea pearl jewellery is available at branches located at:

EDSA Shangri-La Hotel (02.9107571) | Makati Shangri-La Hotel (02.7577447) | Manila Peninsula Hotel (02.5015862) | Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel (02.8341468) | Alabang Town Center (02.7723529) | Glorietta IV (02.7296735) | Shangri-la Plaza Mall (02.6375146) | SM Megamall (02.6335068) | SM Mall of Asia (02.5566344) | Trinoma (02.9015823) | Ayala Center Cebu (32.2315665) | Greenbelt 5 – (02.7576441) | Marquee Mall, Pampanga – (045.3040295)

I capped off my time there, after spending a quick tête à tête with KanKan of Team Yehey (who graciously walked me through the event brief!) and meeting folks from Jewelmer and Team Yehey, by checking out their Pledge to Protect wall and left my mark.

It doesn’t end there, of course. What can ink on a cardboard do anyway, right? In helping to spread the word, my hope is that it’s a considerable contribution to the effort to promote the Filipino and the Philippines under the symbol of the golden Philippine South Sea pearl, the Philippine’s National Gem. I’d love to own one (with passion!), if only I can really afford it (translation: I wouldn’t really mind spending that much on jewelry — er, not exactly there yet). This reminds me of that time in Palawan wherein my jaw dropped when I found out just how much South Sea Pearls cost. Gah. But there’s no harm in dreaming, yes?

I know, I know. I should’ve considered wearing pearls that night but I was too distracted to plan an outfit. I’m glad to have been able to spend time with Tara again, though and that I also was able to finally meet KanKan Ramos of Team Yehey and Penelope Uy of Jewelmer.

Tog du jour:

Tube Armani
Vest Babo
Belt Ensembles
Earrings Diva

Not in photo:
Jeans Mango
Shoes Charles & Keith
Watch Hand me down from my sis
Rings Aldo, Mango, Flea Market
Clutch Miss Co

My vintage rose and pearl necklace would’ve been a great choice, yes? Ah, well. Next time perhaps.

Photos 1, 2, 3 and 6 courtesy of KanKan Ramos of Team Yehey . Fifth photo taken by Tara. Rest are mine.