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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
I was so happy, I finally met her during the POND's Institute White Party
What beautiful jewellery pieces. I have not heard of her before, but will be looking out for her designs soon.
ReplyDeleteHello Emily,
DeleteYeah 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.
Her cuffs and her chokers are absolutely gorgeous! she is definitely an amazing jewellery designer
ReplyDeleteHello Yana,
DeleteYes I am literally drooling to her jewelries! They are all so gorgeous :) And very detailed-crafted.
Love the design. It look gorgeous for those who love chunky and outstanding jewelry.
ReplyDeleteHello Cindyrina,
DeleteAm imagining myself wearing it, and I guess I will look for wealthy, LOL
Her designs are beautiful
ReplyDeleteso true! Thanks Jia :)
DeleteI love the small clutches! Such exquisite designs!
ReplyDeleteThank you dear :)
DeleteThey are made of good quality of wood and adored with gold and metals :)
I love her creation. Its so unique, traditional and modern at the same time.
ReplyDeleteI agree Zayani. Every women will looks stunningly expensive wearing her jewelries :)
DeleteI 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
ReplyDeleteHello Joy,
DeleteThank 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 :)
I love her creations a lot. very pretty pieces. both of you are beautiful
ReplyDeleteThank you Wai Yee! You are soo kind. Thank you for taking time reading my post :)
DeleteThose are indeed gorgeous creations. I hope she makes it available in Malaysia soon
ReplyDeleteHello Aliza,
DeleteDon't worry, when I see her this April I will ask her :D
i like her work as well! looks really good!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Gengqian! I hope she will exhibit her creations or be available in Malaysia.
Deleteall the design look not bad and the colour was nice.
ReplyDeleteThank you Joanne! Keep on exploring my blog for more awesome articles :)
DeleteNice jewellery. Will get 1 for my dinner wear.
ReplyDeleteHello Jane, that's a great idea! Maybe you can check her latest pieces this April at Manila FAME.
DeleteFantastic design!
ReplyDeleteThank you Venny Lee :)
DeleteThis 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.
ReplyDeleteYeah that's also one of the reason why I admire her. And she is very down-to-earth person.
Deleteawww ... so many "golden" theme utem ... love it
ReplyDeleteLOL I know right. If I will wear one of this, I guess I should be stay away from direct light :)
DeleteAll of her pieces are truly beautiful!! I especially like the flower embroidered belt. These pieces truly are one of a kind!!
ReplyDeleteYes that's gorgeous and heavy!
DeleteThese are so unique! And gorgeous. It's so cool that you met the designer.
ReplyDeleteThank you dear! Well actually I have approached her and introduced myself, I couldn't let pass that opportunity to meet the best icon.
DeleteThese pieces are absolutely stunning and so unique. I definitely love that collar necklace and that felt. The detail on these pieces are gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThank 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.
DeleteBeautiful 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!
ReplyDeleteHuge thank you for your support!
DeleteWow. What a beautiful collection! Such lovely photos - everything looks super glamorous. It sounds like you had a great time. :)
ReplyDeleteChristie's Take on Life. xx
Yes I am and thank you for taking time visiting my humble blog!
DeleteInteresting, all the jewelry is beautiful. This is awesome that you got to meet her, and see her collection what an incredible opportunity.
ReplyDeleteThank you dear! I felt so blessed to finally meet her.
DeleteI agree with you that her pieces have a stamp of nature and are very unique and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you Apolline for appreciating her creations and for patiently reading my posts. This April am thinking of buying at least one of her piece :)
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteThank you Cheryl! I hope that many Filipino designers will follow her footsteps and advocacies.
DeleteHer jewelry is beautiful and original
ReplyDeleteThey are truly splendid Michelle!
DeleteI like this jewelry it's original and beautiful
ReplyDeleteI agree.. her designs are one of a kind, and she never repeats designs :)
DeleteThis jewelry is beautiful and original
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more. She's fantastic!
DeleteIt is exciting when we get to meet designers we love in person. I also love that necklace she is wearing; so stunning.
ReplyDeletethe Fashion Sherlock
www.thefashionsherlock.com
Thank you K! Am shaving my allowance so I could buy one of her necklace :D
DeleteThese are beautiful pieces! I would love to get my hands on some of this jewelry although I wouldn't know which one to pick!
ReplyDeleteHello Shannon, same feeling of mine. But I need to decide firmly which one because I still need control :)
DeleteI think it's amazing that she started selling these just in bazaars. They're really beautiful
ReplyDeleteI agree, and she had maintained many regular customers. Am excited for her new designs :)
DeleteOMG i evrything is GOLD nad am a big fan of Blings, Glitters and GOLD.loved everything i saw.
ReplyDeleteGold gives us luck! Its forever!
DeleteAll the design pieces is so prettty! I love her passion throughout the journey and love how her works help artisan too!
ReplyDeleteShe is a true inspiration. I hope that designers will do a similar initiative to help other people.
DeleteHer pieces are stunning! It's nice to know that through her craft, she is able to help other people make a living. :)
ReplyDeleteyes, no wonder she is continuously being blessed by nature :) Am excited to see her new collection this month.
DeleteJust 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.
ReplyDeleteYes 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.
Deletethey are beautiful but I guess quite expensive too, am I right?
ReplyDeleteI think not too much.. last time, I saw an exquisite ring that costs Php2500+
DeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI agree, and am so happy to finally meet her in person. It's like achievement unlocked!
Deleteher creations are beautiful and I guess a perfect gift for jewels collector just like my aunt
ReplyDeleteoohh 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