In a celebration of Filipino culture and craftsmanship, Jewelmer will showcase the first Filipino crown for Miss Universe 2024—a milestone reflecting the dedication of women artisans
As Jewelmer celebrates its 45th anniversary, the luxury jeweler is having a golden moment on the world map, presenting the South Sea pearl—a rare and radiant national gem—as the centerpiece of the first Filipino-crafted crown for Miss Universe. As the pageant’s official crown sponsor, the piece is a tribute to Filipino artistry, sustainable luxury, and a commitment to something far greater than a crowning glory to be unveiled for the November spectacle.
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A Collective Effort
Reflecting on this milestone, Jewelmer expresses both humility and pride in embodying Filipino culture and craft for a global audience. “This year’s crown carries with it the extraordinary spirit of everyone who took part in its creation,” the team notes, acknowledging the pearl farmers, artisans, and supporters who transformed this dream into a dazzling reality. After all, it takes a village—or perhaps a whole archipelago—to create a crown worthy of the universe.
Sourced from the pristine waters of Palawan, each South Sea pearl emerges only after 377 meticulous steps over five years, an act of patience and respect for nature that Jewelmer reveres. With each pearl, Jewelmer’s craftsmen honor not just the art of jewelry-making but the delicate ecosystem that produces these gems.
“With nature controlling much of the process, there’s no guarantee a pearl will be harvested,” Jewelmer explains, showing that their reverence for nature isn’t just lip service, but a reverence for nature that is rooted in the brand’s mission for sustainability.
A core part of Jewelmer’s mission for sustainability is its non-profit arm, the Save Palawan Seas Foundation. Founded in 2006 and fully funded by Jewelmer’s pearl farms and the brand itself, the foundation works to preserve marine resources while supporting the communities that protect them.
Through livelihood projects, tree-planting for forest rehabilitation, and coastal cleanups to restore Palawan’s iconic white sands, the foundation strives to create lasting benefits. These efforts don’t just rejuvenate the landscape, but also empower local communities, reinforcing a shared commitment to preserving Palawan’s natural beauty.
Wax to Wonder
The crown itself reflects this respect, crafted with precision and an eye toward heritage. Filipino artisans, skilled in traditional techniques and inspired by the universal elements of life, pour artistry into the process. “The pearl is always the heart of every piece. Without the pearl, the creation cannot exist. In essence, the pearl is life itself.”
The creation of the crown begins with the artisan shaping the initial design in wax. This step allows for precise refinement, transforming the concept into a model that showcases sophistication.
Next, the artisan creates a more detailed version that closely resembles the final look. This phase is essential for visualizing the piece before it undergoes the finishing touches.
Jewelmer’s artisans employ traditional techniques inspired by Place Vendôme, a renowned center of luxury and elegance in France. These time-honored methods enhance the crown’s craftsmanship, ensuring each detail reflects the brand’s commitment to quality.
Finally, the artisan conducts a thorough inspection of the piece. This meticulous review guarantees that every angle and element is in harmony, culminating in a creation that epitomizes the artistry and excellence that the brand represents.
Pearls of Wisdom
Jewelmer envisions this crown as a torchbearer of empowerment and inspiration. For centuries, pearls have symbolized resilience and grace, and Jewelmer sees a direct connection between the South Sea pearl’s strength and the values that resonate with Miss Universe.
“At the heart of Jewelmer is empowering women through pearls that bring out every woman’s best,” the brand shares. This mission lives in every level of their organization, where women lead the charge, with 72% of the leadership and 83% of farm managers being women. Jewelmer’s pearls embody both beauty and empowerment, honoring the resilience of women everywhere.
“Their nurturing energy makes them natural leaders when it comes to leading a community of divers, pearl farmers, and marine biologists to ensure that our oysters are cared for in a harmonious and compassionate environment in order to produce the world’s most lustrous pearls.”
– Jewelmer on women artisans
Empowerment Through Elegance
With the Miss Universe 2024 pageant set for November in Mexico City, Jewelmer looks forward to a moment where this crown will be a symbol for young Filipina women and aspiring beauty queens alike. The brand hopes it will encourage generations to embrace their own strength and take pride in the best that the Philippines offers. “It is our hope that the crown becomes a beacon of light, guiding the dreams of Filipino generations to come,” they say.
More than an anniversary piece, this crown writes a new chapter for Jewelmer and a proud symbol of the Filipino spirit. It epitomizes Filipino talent and values, crafted with reverence and vision—a pearly centerpiece that honors the Philippines and shines with the essence of its heritage. It stands as a crown fit for a queen of the universe.
Photos: JEWELMER
