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Filipino Jewelry-Designer Ann Ong and her One-of-a-Kind Creations

Filipino Jewelry-Designer Ann Ong and her One-of-a-Kind Creations Showcased at Manila FAME

Updated: March 20, 2017
Originally Posted: March 16, 2016
Ann’s journey to jewelry-making started at a very young age. At eight years old, she developed a fascination with crosses and handmade accessories. At that age, she already put value in anything made by hand because for her, that was a labor of love.

What started as a fascination later became a passion for creating accessories using beads.

These accessories she sold in bazaars upon her friends’ encouragement. In 2012, Ann Ong discovered the beauty of metals and she self-studied the craft. With this new discovery, Ann grew more inspired as a designer and challenged herself to produce new designs every day.

“When I started in 2012, it was like a gateway to heaven for me. The awards started to come in. These recognitions brought opportunities for me to do exhibits abroad and showcase the Filipino artistry on the global stage,” shares Ann, who is an advocate of Filipino craftsmanship. In fact, the focus of her upcoming exhibits in Singapore, New York, Paris, Monaco and St. Petersburg is to promote the Filipino craftsmen as one of the best in the world.

“Creativity is a gift from God, which everyone has. What sets the Filipino artisans apart is their patience and they work from their heart and soul,” she adds.


Filipino Jewelry-Designer Ann Ong and her One-of-a-Kind Creations Showcased at Manila FAME

Filipino Jewelry-Designer Ann Ong and her One-of-a-Kind Creations Showcased at Manila FAME


Filipino Jewelry-Designer Ann Ong and her One-of-a-Kind Creations Showcased at Manila FAME


You look at Ann’s unique pieces and you will see a stamp of nature in them — twigs, salvaged wood, mother-of-pearl, and the like. Creating pieces out of nothing and making them into an opulent functional piece are her ways of giving back to Mother Nature.

“Nature is a gift from God. Nature is gold. My collaboration with nature gives me overflowing creativity,” Ann shares. “I create and design pieces for a purpose and a reason. The pieces I create have something to do with my inspiration. Before, when I thought of a design, it always had to be beautiful. Now, my creativity has to serve a purpose,” adds Ann, who once dedicated a whole collection of lambat bags inspired by the hardworking fishermen in Palawan and the abundant gifts of the sea.

In order for Ann to produce her one-of-a-kind pieces, she employs a number of highly skilled artisans whose talent and capabilities she knows by heart.




Filipino Jewelry-Designer Ann Ong and her One-of-a-Kind Creations Showcased at Manila FAME

Filipino Jewelry-Designer Ann Ong and her One-of-a-Kind Creations Showcased at Manila FAME




“My artisans come from poor families in Bulacan and Valenzuela. Their talents enable them to put food on their table and send their children to school. One of my favorite stories in my journey as a jewelry designer is seeing people’s lives become better,” Ann says.




Filipino Jewelry-Designer Ann Ong and her One-of-a-Kind Creations Showcased at Manila FAME

Filipino Jewelry-Designer Ann Ong and her One-of-a-Kind Creations Showcased at Manila FAME




She adds, “When I am at my workshop, I am not Ann Ong. I am one with the team because without them, I will not be successful. Teamwork is very important to me. When I go to exhibits abroad, it’s like bringing my artisans there because it’s their work. It is important for me to inspire my artisans because they need heart and soul to be in harmony with my designs. It doesn’t matter how many workers I have, what’s important is we grow together in this journey,” shares Ann, who believes in the value of hard work, which she also teaches her children John, 29; Neil, 27; Anna, 24; and Paolo, 22.


“God has a reason for everything. I think being a jewelry designer is my destiny, God’s plan for me. I always believed that each and every one of us has a purpose here. My purpose is to uplift the Filipino artisans. My journey is not just for Ann Ong but also for the talented artisans here in our country,” Ann concludes.


Filipino Jewelry-Designer Ann Ong and her One-of-a-Kind Creations Showcased at Manila FAME

Filipino Jewelry-Designer Ann Ong and her One-of-a-Kind Creations Showcased at Manila FAME


Filipino Jewelry-Designer Ann Ong and her One-of-a-Kind Creations Showcased at Manila FAME
Photos by Blair Villanueva, MANILA FAME 2015.


I was so happy, I finally met her during the POND's Institute White Party

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72 comments :

  1. What beautiful jewellery pieces. I have not heard of her before, but will be looking out for her designs soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Emily,

      Yeah she is famous first in New York and Europe, and now here in the Philippines to promote her creations. Am so excited to see her new pieces this April for the Manila FAME exhibition.

      Delete
  2. Her cuffs and her chokers are absolutely gorgeous! she is definitely an amazing jewellery designer

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Yana,

      Yes I am literally drooling to her jewelries! They are all so gorgeous :) And very detailed-crafted.

      Delete
  3. Love the design. It look gorgeous for those who love chunky and outstanding jewelry.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Cindyrina,

      Am imagining myself wearing it, and I guess I will look for wealthy, LOL

      Delete
  4. I love the small clutches! Such exquisite designs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you dear :)

      They are made of good quality of wood and adored with gold and metals :)

      Delete
  5. I love her creation. Its so unique, traditional and modern at the same time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree Zayani. Every women will looks stunningly expensive wearing her jewelries :)

      Delete
  6. I know Filipinos are creative because l have seen some of their design work before when l was there. its nice to see another active woman winning awards for her great Jewelry design

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Joy,

      Thank you for visiting my blog and for liking her creations. Yeah there are many creative Filipinos and they are excelling to their crafts. We are here to support them and promote their talents and magic :)

      Delete
  7. I love her creations a lot. very pretty pieces. both of you are beautiful

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Wai Yee! You are soo kind. Thank you for taking time reading my post :)

      Delete
  8. Those are indeed gorgeous creations. I hope she makes it available in Malaysia soon

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Aliza,

      Don't worry, when I see her this April I will ask her :D

      Delete
  9. i like her work as well! looks really good!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Gengqian! I hope she will exhibit her creations or be available in Malaysia.

      Delete
  10. all the design look not bad and the colour was nice.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Joanne! Keep on exploring my blog for more awesome articles :)

      Delete
  11. Nice jewellery. Will get 1 for my dinner wear.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Jane, that's a great idea! Maybe you can check her latest pieces this April at Manila FAME.

      Delete
  12. This is an amazing post! I love how Ann Ong speaks so highly of her staff, like family. Her pieces are to die for. I love how she incorporates nature into her designs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah that's also one of the reason why I admire her. And she is very down-to-earth person.

      Delete
  13. awww ... so many "golden" theme utem ... love it

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL I know right. If I will wear one of this, I guess I should be stay away from direct light :)

      Delete
  14. All of her pieces are truly beautiful!! I especially like the flower embroidered belt. These pieces truly are one of a kind!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. These are so unique! And gorgeous. It's so cool that you met the designer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you dear! Well actually I have approached her and introduced myself, I couldn't let pass that opportunity to meet the best icon.

      Delete
  16. These pieces are absolutely stunning and so unique. I definitely love that collar necklace and that felt. The detail on these pieces are gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for visiting Sadah. Her workers are also artistic Filipino women, helping her with her designs and she is very diligent in sourcing new ideas and materials both locally and abroad.

      Delete
  17. Beautiful jewelry and what a beautiful journey. Thank you for not only capturing the jewelry but the story behind the brand. I can't wait to share this with others and support!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Wow. What a beautiful collection! Such lovely photos - everything looks super glamorous. It sounds like you had a great time. :)

    Christie's Take on Life. xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes I am and thank you for taking time visiting my humble blog!

      Delete
  19. Interesting, all the jewelry is beautiful. This is awesome that you got to meet her, and see her collection what an incredible opportunity.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you dear! I felt so blessed to finally meet her.

      Delete
  20. I agree with you that her pieces have a stamp of nature and are very unique and beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Apolline for appreciating her creations and for patiently reading my posts. This April am thinking of buying at least one of her piece :)

      Delete
  21. I always find it amazing when people in business choose to give sources of livelihood to those need them the most. Ann Ong appears to be humble and kind. I love the jewelries.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Cheryl! I hope that many Filipino designers will follow her footsteps and advocacies.

      Delete
  22. I like this jewelry it's original and beautiful

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree.. her designs are one of a kind, and she never repeats designs :)

      Delete
  23. This jewelry is beautiful and original

    ReplyDelete
  24. It is exciting when we get to meet designers we love in person. I also love that necklace she is wearing; so stunning.

    the Fashion Sherlock
    www.thefashionsherlock.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you K! Am shaving my allowance so I could buy one of her necklace :D

      Delete
  25. These are beautiful pieces! I would love to get my hands on some of this jewelry although I wouldn't know which one to pick!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Shannon, same feeling of mine. But I need to decide firmly which one because I still need control :)

      Delete
  26. I think it's amazing that she started selling these just in bazaars. They're really beautiful

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, and she had maintained many regular customers. Am excited for her new designs :)

      Delete
  27. OMG i evrything is GOLD nad am a big fan of Blings, Glitters and GOLD.loved everything i saw.

    ReplyDelete
  28. All the design pieces is so prettty! I love her passion throughout the journey and love how her works help artisan too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She is a true inspiration. I hope that designers will do a similar initiative to help other people.

      Delete
  29. Her pieces are stunning! It's nice to know that through her craft, she is able to help other people make a living. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yes, no wonder she is continuously being blessed by nature :) Am excited to see her new collection this month.

      Delete
  30. Just heard about hee through your post. I will check her instagram out. As I have read your post, I think she is an inspiration to most Filipinos by her works.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes Ann Ong is such an inspiration. We have many talented and creative people, we just need someone to push us to discover our greatest talents.

      Delete
  31. they are beautiful but I guess quite expensive too, am I right?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think not too much.. last time, I saw an exquisite ring that costs Php2500+

      Delete
  32. I love the bangles but it's something that I couldn't pull off ^_^. Anyway, there are so many talented Filipinos, and Ann Ong is certainly one of them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, and am so happy to finally meet her in person. It's like achievement unlocked!

      Delete
  33. her creations are beautiful and I guess a perfect gift for jewels collector just like my aunt

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. oohh yes that's a great idea! I'm excited to see her designs and I have ready my credit card to buy some pieces :)

      Delete

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