For our mothers: The jewel of our hearts

IT is undeniable – most, if not all of us, will agree that we share a special and indescribable bond with our mothers. Rightfully so, because after all, they carried us for nine months, and were perhaps one of, if not the first, to love us – wholeheartedly and unconditionally, in a way “only mother’s can and know.” We may have had and continue to have our own share of disputes and disagreements with our mothers from time to time, but whether we choose to admit it or not, and despite the number of times we’ve butted heads, truth is, our mother will always hold and own a special part of our heart. They are the nurturers in the family – the firm, but gentle hand, whose guidance sees our growth through, and who is at the very core of holding the family together.

It is thus no wonder why familycentered companies such as the renowned Jewelmer choose to pay tribute to the lights of our hearts and homes whenever the occasion calls, with Mother’s Day tomorrow being no exception. Established in 1979 by Jacques Branellec, a French pearl farmer, and Manuel Cojuangco, a Filipino entrepreneur, Jewelmer an environmentally sound approach to pearl farming that has since grown into 14 branches in the Philippines, and has found its presence in twentyone countries worldwide. According to Jacques Christophe Branellec, executive vice-president and deputy chief executive officer of Jewelmer, the company has a philosophy that though they cannot create the perfect pearl, they can definitely nurture the environment that will create it. In effect, very much like the roles of our mothers in our lives. He furthers this by explaining that “Pearl farming is a sustainable enterprise, in that it has always been linked to environmental conservation.” In doing what they do, Jewelmer is essentially at the forefront of environmental conservation, with the opportunity not only to drive the pearl industry forward, and produce what is now known as the National Gem of the Philippines, but also to make a lasting impact in the state of the environment. In essence, Jewelmer as an enterprise allows its people to create a community where man works in harmony with nature.

As one of the top pearl producers in the world, Jewelmer at its very core is committed to bringing one of the most beautiful gems to life, while simultaneously prserving the marine environment it comes from. As Jacques Christophe Branellec and his sister Marion (brand manager) share, “As we build on the legacy started by [our] father, and Mr. Cojuangco, Jewelmer will continue to represent and uplift the nation where these pearls are created, and to provide livelihood and pride to the people of Palawan.” As a brand that is representative not only of the golden pearl, but of the Philippines and the story of our country in principle, they have, through the years, come to show that the pearl is a testament to the excellence that Filipinos are capable of achieving when efforts are concerted. In the same manner the pearl is produced, when we work in harmony with the environment, beautiful things are yielded. The golden pearl can therefore be seen as a most tangible aspect of our heritage that we can impart to generations to come – just like the fruits that motherhood bears.

This May, Jewelmer is highlighting its “Mother and Child” collection as a tribute to the women we hold ever so dearly. At the forefront of the campaign is environmental advocate, business executive and mother of two, the stunning Stephanie Kienle-Gonzalez, who, through Jewelmer, will be sharing her own story on how her mother inspired her to be the strong woman that she is, and in the same light, how she now chooses to take on that same role to impart the same values to the next generation – her two beautiful and adorable daughters Andrea and Arielle. The Mother and Child pendants made with diamonds, gold, and South Sea pearls are meant to depict a mother’s loving embrace – a precious connection that endures through time – worn very close to the heart.