Diamonds are a Filipina’s best friend, observe local jewelers. When Tiffany & Co. launched its latest collections for the friends of Asian Dragon, the new Lock bangles, famous for the swiveling padlock mechanism, glistened with pavé diamonds–closely-set, small gemstones on bands.
Genevieve Yalung, Tiffany & Co. Country Manager, said it will bring in more diamonds this year. “Filipinos love diamonds, and they favor intricate styles.”
At the cocktail, women arrived in their finery and glimmered with their jewelry as they ogled at the displays. The newly-renovated interiors of the flagship store at Greenbelt 3 reflected the new energy and direction of the brand ever since it was acquired by the French luxury conglomerate LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. The gleaming white space, punctuated by a Tiffany’s robin egg blue accent wall, curved lines and sculptural chandeliers create a warm and inviting atmosphere with a modern edge. Dubbed the “crown jewel of LVMH,” Tiffany & Co. is repositioning itself as a luxury house for sparkling, fine jewelry. Once known for its sterling silver accessories, it now highlights platinum and golds with a variety of diamonds and precious stones.
The Tiffany blue accent wall, filled with Birds on Rocks, added visual excitement. In 1965, French jewelry designer Julian Schlumberger created a bird, dotted with circular-cut diamonds, accentuated with a gold peak and crown and perched on a precious stone. Priced at approximately USD 75,000, the Bird on Rock brooch was wistfully eyed by the guests.
The HardWear and the T Collections have been extremely salable with the jewelry aficionados, said Yalung. The HardWear is known for its bold gauge links that echo the edgy character of New York City, the birthplace of the brand. Evocative of the chunky chain jewelry of boho fashion in the early ‘70s, the HardWear was elevated into an elegant expression that showcases Tiffany’s craftsmanship.
Meanwhile, the T Collection highlights the letter T interlocked on a circular band. Yalung added that couples’ rings, wedding bands and the Lock Bangle have likewise been popular.
The Lock Bangle with its unique clasp comes in full pavé (small diamonds covering the entire band) and half pavé, and a masculine version crafted with precious metal. Despite a six-figure entry price, Yalung said, it’s one of the most sold-out styles.
“We are launching Tiffany & Co after the pandemic. Filipinos have the purchasing power and are receiving it well. They are excited to try out the new collections,” said Yalung. “So far, sales have exceeded our expectations. As a discerning market, they like fine jewelry.”
The guests have been longtime fans of the jewelry house. Christina Cobankiat, vice president of Sincere Construction whose clients include top developers, admired Tiffany & Co. for its classic designs.
“Wear it 10 years from now, and it still looks very timeless,” she said. Christina cited the T collection as her favorite for its graphic and architectural appeal. She also adored the designs inspired by hardware such as the Knot with its entwined ends and the Lock with its swiveling padlock.
Irene Yap, who described herself as “lady of leisure,” loved the Interlocking Circles and the Key, referencing the archival designs of the 1880s. “They are not flimsy and the designs are direct to the point,” she said.
Restaurateur Leah Li, liked Tiffany’s selection of stones and playful designs such as the Bird on the Rock.
“Tiffany is not just about the brand but the excellent workmanship and quality,” says Jasmin Sy, and this is evident in each of the stunning diamond pieces on display at its Greenbelt 3 flagship store.
Jewelry dealer Merphy Zhang, who wore a Tiffany diamond ring, recalled seeing its retrospective exhibit in Shanghai, China. It commemorated the jewelry house’s 180th anniversary in 2019. Etched on her mind was the 128-karat Yellow Diamond necklace on display, which was worn by celebrities Audrey Hepburn, Lady Gaga and Beyonce for the latest campaign.
Hannah Liu, flower shop entrepreneur, liked the HardWear collection for transforming ordinary chains into high jewelry with the use of precious metals and stones and even titanium. In her personal collection, she values the Smile necklace with a curved pendant evocative of an upturned mouth
Jewelry dealer Zizi Lee said she treasured her Tiffany wedding band, the counterpart of her husband’s band. The style is an 18k gold band with round, brilliant-cut diamonds.
Yalung noted that that Tiffany & Co. is expanding its collections to reach a wider market from toddlers to Gen Z, millennials and customers of a certain age. “You can find something for mom, yourself and the kids,” she said.
As Mother’s Day approaches on May 14, Tiffany & Co. offers classic bangles and home accessories such as plates, cups and glasses as gift ideas. For Father’s Day on June 18, there are silver pens, money clips on the Bird on the Rock pin.
Ultimately, it’s up to the wearer to go classic and delicate or bold and powerful with Tiffany’s wide selection.
