Dive into the captivating narrative surrounding Anne Carly Abad, an avid jewelry artisan whose creative journey commenced in early 2015 through the meticulous artistry of bead and wire jewelry crafting, predominantly with copper and silver elements. Anne’s deep-rooted passion for gemstones, particularly jade, shines prominently throughout her story, reflecting her profound appreciation for the symbolic significance and tactile allure inherent in these natural treasures.
As the visionary mind behind Art in Jewels by Anne, the designer seamlessly bridges her illustrious background in literature with her seamless transition into the realm of jewelry design. Her multifaceted evolution from acclaimed poet to esteemed jeweler unfolds with a harmonious fusion of ingenuity and purpose, underscoring her keen artistic finesse and unwavering dedication to exquisite craftsmanship. We find very interesting Anne’s journey from a hobbyist crafting jewelry pieces for acquaintances to the establishment of Art in Jewels, a flourishing venture propelled by a shared adoration for gemstones and bespoke artistry. It eloquently illuminates Anne’s transition from a conventional occupation to channeling her energies into the realm of jewelry creation, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that marked her path.
A notable aspect of the narrative is its portrayal of how Anne’s creations deeply resonated with her patrons, offering them solace and significance through personalized and symbolically imbued jewelry pieces she painstakingly crafted. The integration of bespoke designs tailored to commemorate pivotal life moments symbolizes the emotional depth and narrative richness underlying Anne’s creations, infusing Art in Jewels with a poignant storytelling element that elevates these pieces to more than mere accessories, but wearable embodiments of personal tales.
Anne’s formative years as a painter and wordsmith come to vibrant life within the narrative, providing insights into her artistic influences and thematic inspirations that define her creative expression. 33 Magazine aptly showcases how her exploration of the fantastical and speculative realms in her literary endeavors laid the foundation for her venture into jewelry design, underscoring the seamless continuum of storytelling and symbolism that permeates her work. Central to the narrative is the poetic essence that permeates Anne’s jewelry creations, as praised by her dedicated clientele who recognize the deliberate intent and narrative complexity woven into each piece. By interweaving memories, experiences, and emotions into her designs, Anne transcends conventional adornment to craft wearable masterpieces imbued with profound meaning and artistic finesse. Moreover, the article sheds light on Anne’s steadfast commitment to ethical practices and sustainability within the jewelry industry, showcasing her advocacy for uplifting local Filipino craftsmanship while upholding environmentally-conscious production standards. Anne’s collections such as “Fragments” and “Virtues” earn acclaim for their innovative utilization of rare gemstones and evocative storytelling, embodying a harmonious amalgamation of art, tradition, and ethical design choices.
The narrative further spotlights Anne’s expanding global footprint through participation in prestigious exhibitions like Metal & Smith in New York City and Flying Solo Paris, underscoring her escalating prominence within the international jewelry sphere. Anne’s distinctive approach to crafting wearable art pieces that celebrate human connections and artistic expression positions ArtinJewels as a beacon of innovation and narrative exploration within the industry. This insightful narrative portrays Anne’s creative odyssey with ArtinJewels, encapsulating the synergy of artistry, passion, and human connection that defines her jewelry-making venture. Anne’s journey serves as a tribute to the transformative potency of creativity and the timeless allure of handcrafted artistry amid a digitally-centric landscape. Immerse yourself in Anne Carly Abad’s evolution from poet to jeweler, unveiling the poetic strands interwoven within her artistic pursuits. Anne’s steadfast dedication to creating meaningful jewelry pieces that transcend fleeting trends underscores the enduring significance of Art in Jewels as a testament to artistic integrity and imaginative flair. Our exclusive interview with Anne navigates adeptly through the unique challenges posed by recent societal upheavals, highlighting Anne’s resilience and unwavering commitment to sustaining her craft while supporting her network of suppliers and artisans:
Your journey into jewelry-making began with bead and wire creations using copper and silver. How did these early experiments influence your design aesthetic and choice of materials for Art in Jewels?
If I had a choice I would have started with gold, but the craftsmen I talked to told me I should start with lower metals first. And it was good advice because I broke so many stones and made a lot of odd things, which I now learn I don’t really like. First I don’t like too many textures in my designs. The wires just weren’t achieving the look I was going for. I also found beads too limiting. Faceted gems granted so many options for design execution so the shift was inevitable.
Jade seems to hold a special place in your heart. Can you elaborate on the significance of jade and other gemstones like citrine, moonstone, amethyst, garnet in your designs, and how they inspire your creative process?
When I was a child, my paternal grandmother gifted me a beautiful jade bracelet that she said would protect me from sickness. My maternal grandmother also gifted me a jade ornament later on, this time a Buddha with a ruby-encrusted hat. I grew up loving jade but not yet the colored stones as I think I may have been too young to wear the giant rings of my grandparents.
During your travels to Thailand and Hong Kong, you encountered different types of jade with unique meanings. Could you share some insights into the symbolism attached to these varieties of jade and how they have influenced your work?
Watery jade that was white and transparent was absolutely gorgeous. These were often cut into smooth bangles that one would wear for the rest of his/her life. That a stone can grow and transform with us absolutely enamored me. I think as a result of loving jade, I also loved moonstones and their smooth cabochon forms. Moonstones are one of the first colored stones that I designed with. I enjoyed imagining the magic within them, and what that inner light could become once set in gold.
The transition from crafting jewelry as a hobby to starting Art in Jewels seems to have been spurred by positive feedback from colleagues and customers. How did this encouragement shape the direction of your business and design philosophy?
When I started it was definitely because colleagues egged me on. But there was this one customer who bought my book, met me and asked me to design something just for her, because she was so close to her beloved daughter. I told her I wasn’t so sure as I was a painter and writer. I’d not made gold rings before. She said she wanted to see my take on their mother-daughter bond. I designed a pair of rings for her and for her daughter. I loved the process of hearing her story and then designing the rings that were uniquely theirs.
Customization plays a key role in your jewelry pieces, allowing customers to add personal touches. How does this interactive aspect of your designs contribute to the storytelling behind each creation?
In custom work, I find it very inspiring to hear the clients’ stories. Be it birth or death, love or separation, the jewel commemorates something they wish to remember. When they wear the piece, I believe they also want to tell the story, again, and again, and again, to everyone who asks.
Collaborating with craftsmen for custom orders and milestone pieces appears to be a significant aspect of Art in Jewels. Can you recount a particularly memorable project or experience that exemplifies this collaborative process?
There was this one project where I designed a key pendant for a client, symbolizing a key to their family home. It was a largish piece, with several gems encrusting the face of the pendant. When the stone setter finished mounting the gems, he told me that it would be nicer to hand carve the back of the pendant, like in the style of antique lockets. We incorporated foliage and flowers, which the client loved because it felt like having a picnic with all of the family.
As Art in Jewels grew into a design house specializing in wearable art pieces, how have you navigated the challenges of expansion, especially during the pandemic years, while maintaining a focus on supporting your suppliers and craftsmen?
Pandemic was extremely difficult, as being in lockdown also hampered the sources of inspiration I had as a painter and writer. Trees, flowers, birds, rivers, mountains–these were vital sources of creative energy for me. What I realized during pandemic is that our own experiences and struggles can be a source of inspiration as well. I drew on hope as a source of ideas, and clients shared my hopes, as well. They, too, looked forward to a time when once again we can live without fear of being together and breathing.
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The ArtinJewels showroom in Manila is by appointment only. Visit us at 2nd Floor, #82 E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave, Bagumbayan, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines.
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