I am happy with my latest jewelry purchase. I got Auric and Ice’s crescent flatback for my conch and I am really impressed with the quality, craftsmanship, and sparkle! They used G+ colored diamonds for this piece, and it is internally-threaded. It is the perfect piece for downsizing my conch piercing.
For genuine gold and diamond local piercing jewelry, follow Auric and Ice on Instagram! This is not a sponsored post. I am simply a satisfied customer.
My partner recently gave me a Quielle Knot Ring when he visited our home for the first time. He met my mom and gave her some pastries. It was a good day and I will forever cherish this ring to remind me of our relationship.
Guys, if you want to give a present to your special someone, observe what she usually buys and where she buys them from. I am a longtime Quielle customer so this gift makes me feel special. I highly recommend this item as it is locally-made using high quality stainless steel.
Have a good week ahead, everyone!
I recently had my tennis bracelet repaired by Love, Susie. They are a local brand catering to clients who prefer bespoke jewelry made of reclaimed gems and recycled metals.
I love their work because they replaced the lock without sacrificing the structure and design of the bracelet. The new lock is made of 21K and reinforces my 18K tennis bracelet.
I am so happy to discover this brand. Their diffusion brand of gold-filled local jewelry, Pulseras by Kim, also continues to serve handmade bling. Their owners Kim and Tiffy are the nicest people! They work with your budget and give honest feedback regarding your pieces.
For bespoke jewelry, check out Love, Susie today!
I recently purchased these safety pin earrings from local accessories shop Quielle. I love these handmade stunners because the quality is top notch. The tips of the pins are not sharp, and the stainless steel material is polished to perfection. They are also lightweight enough for all-day wear.
Most of my accessories are from this shop. They do not tarnish, and their sparkle remains the same for a long time. I have been a Quielle customer since 2019! This is not an ad, and I simply want to promote this brand.
For your local accessories fix, be sure to check out Quielle!
I recently purchased a titanium navel barbell from local shop Fibi Candy Body Jewelry. Their selling point is their anodizing service which they currently offer for free with every purchase of their titanium jewelry. This gives their customers the option to have colorful bling composed of a safe, implant-grade metal.
Since I was feeling fancy, I chose to have my selection anodized in light blue. I was not disappointed, and I loved the result!
You may also purchase your own implant-grade titanium body jewelry from Fibi Candy! Simply go to their Shopee page and chat with the seller to specify your chosen color for your jewelry.
Stay safe and healthy!
Yesterday, I returned to Covo 24K Jewelry at Chinatown Gold Center for some retail therapy. I purchased an enamel piyao charm which I matched with pearl beads on-site.
I was going for a feminine vibe here, and I think it has been achieved. Gold, pearls, and rose quartz make a lovely combination for all occasions.
What is your go-to jewelry combo? I hope that you can also find yours!
I got to visit the new Pulseras by Kim boutique along EDSA, Quezon City. It was a treat to see one of my favorite local jewelry brands grow and thrive. I have been their customer for two years now, and I still enjoy getting new pieces from them every now and then.
I commend them for coming up with fresh pieces and ideas even in the new normal, such as these acrylic earring holders that enable customers to “try on” without actually putting them on.
I also discovered from their staff Ate Min that all their jewelry is local. They do not import from overseas, so each piece is a labor of love by a local artisan.
I hope that you will order a Pulseras by Kim piece soon! Visit their new store or order online now.
I have been a fan of local jewelry brand Quielle since 2018. Their quality pieces are made of either stainless steel or sterling silver, which are ideal for my acidic skin.
I love their newest personalized designs, which are the Old English name anklet and baybayin name necklace with pressed flower. I couldn’t resist them, and I ordered both of them. My pieces took a fortnight to make, and the wait was worth it. Both of them were beautiful and perfect for daily wear.
This is not a sponsored post. I am simply a fan of this local shop. With the pandemic still upon us, please consider supporting local SME’s. It would really boost our economy and help our country move forward amidst the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 virus.
Let personalized jewelry brighten up your day! God bless us all and stay safe, everyone!
I recenly purchased a Love, Susie crescent ring in gold vermeil. I chose it because it is a) adjustable, b) locally handmade, and c) made to last as the base metal is sterling silver. Since Love, Susie is the sister brand of local handmade jewelry brand Pulseras by Kim, I am sure of the quality and craftsmanship behind this piece.
This is not a sponsored post. I am just a fan and happy customer! My ring came with free stud earrings as Pulseras by Kim is moving to a new physical store soon. I am happy that I was able to visit their Maginhawa space one last time. It was a special location for me, as it was right beside my alma mater, Holy Family School.
I am grateful to still have the luxury to enjoy handmade jewelry this pandemic. We are all struggling with the Covid-19 crisis, so it helps to have some sparkle in our lives right now.
I hope that you will also find a piece or two from Love, Susie to inspire you to stay positive during trying times.
I got to support another fundraising effort for those in need during the pandemic. I ordered this lotus ring from handmade jewelry instructor and artist Thingamabobs Art Jewelry. I chose blue chalcedony as its center stone, and it will be set in brass. Because of its bespoke nature, it will be made after the lifting of the enhanced community quarantine. I really do not mind this, because I have a weakness for handmade anything.
This was part of Soulflower, Co.’s Lingap Fund Sale, wherein proceeds will be donated to Lingap Pangkabataan. The NGO is in need of funding during the pandemic. It is still ongoing, so do check out this fundraising endeavor. You will be able to get first dibs on the best local handmade leather craft and jewelry, and help a nonprofit rise above the pandemic.
I hope that you will also support our frontliners and those in need while we are all under quarantine. Being separated does not mean that we are not united in helping others. Together, we can make a bigger impact. Someday, all our efforts will pay off and we will be able to rise again.
Let us help others while we wait for a cure or a vaccine for Covid-19!
Ever since I started collecting rings from homegrown brand Borealis Crystals, I appreciated fine craftsmanship more. This PWD-owned and managed social enterprise works with local artisans to produce handmade jewelry made out of the finest precious metals and gems. The most important part here is that they choose to offer budget-friendly bling to customers who with a taste for handcrafted and bespoke quality.
The author wears her tiny teal diamond ring on her ring finger
Here is now my current Borealis stack: my Borealis heart, my green sapphire fruit drop, and my latest from this shop, the Tillie. It is a teal tiny diamond in 10k white gold which I wear on my ring finger. All three rings are sparklier in real life and are worth every single peso.
I hope that you will also support Borealis Crystals! This is not an ad, rather, I am just a happy customer who recognizes fine workmanship when I see it. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed and the wait for your jewelry is definitely worth it.
Borealis Crystals is a homegrown jewelry brand that I love. Here are a few reasons why this shop keeps me coming back for more:
It is PWD-owned and managed
Most of their jewelry, especially the bespoke ones, are locally handmade using quality materials
Their online platform allows them to price their bling fairly
They offer bespoke orders which may take time to make, but will definitely be worth your money
Every purchase helps a PWD family and their artisans continue their craft and business
I am so into this garnet and sterling silver ring which I purchased from Borealis Crystals. It is not my first purchase, and once again, I am one happy customer. The ring looks and feels more expensive than it really is. They used materials to give it a premium vibe, which also works with my vintage aesthetic.
This is not a sponsored post, and I am simply a satisfied customer and fan. Please check out Borealis Crystals’ Instagram page and order a bauble or two soon! You won’t regret it.
Yesterday, I went to a job interview wherein I was told that I was overqualified. Rather than take this rejection negatively, I saw it in a positive light. I realized that it was one less company for me to apply. It was an extra push for me to pursue other companies. And of course, being overqualified is better than being under-qualified.
Then, I went to UP Film to watch Rae Red’s Babae at Baril starring Janine Gutierrez. It was a well-made film which depicted how desperate situations in our society forces people to take violence in their own hands. Janine Gutierrez shines in this movie! I first watched her in Elise and of course, her acting chops gave justice to the movie’s badass title.
After the movie, I went home to find the sterling silver ear jackets that I won from local shop Arajera’s giveaway. It always makes me happy whenever I win a prize at raffles. I take this as a sign that luck is on my side again after all the trials that my family has encountered these recent months.
Also, these ear jackets are lovely! I can’t wait to rock them, while showing some local handmade love at the same time.
I am claiming that positive things will finally happen to me moving forward! Indeed, luck is here to stay.
Yesterday, I went to Binondo for a special reason. I was not in the area to enjoy sumptuous Chinese food because spoiler alert, I’m not a fan of Oriental cuisine. However, I do love to shop!
I reached Carriedo LRT1 station by lunchtime. Good thing I had a hearty brunch before this outing, so I was game to commute as there is no parking in the area.
It was impossible for me to be in the area without paying homage to the heritage street that is Escolta. I admired the bygone grandeur of the vintage buildings before proceeding to Binondo.
The beautiful Carriedo Fountain greeted me as I reached the area fronting the Sta. Cruz Church. It was remarkable to notice that Manila is already cleaner and more organized under the newly-elected Manila Mayor Isko Moreno’s mandate. I was able to cross the streets and walk along sidewalks with ease (compared to previous visits).
My leisurely stroll then led me to the Chinatown Gold Center, where I was welcomed by several stalls selling Chinese gold jewelry! My agenda for the day was to buy classy yet affordable 24K piyao (good luck) charm bracelets for my mom and myself. I originally watched a vlog about Covo 24K Jewelry on Princess Mendoza’s channel, and I could not get the bracelets from this shop out of my head since. I linked the vlog episode at the end of this entry to provide you with more information on this store. (Also, this is not a sponsored post!)
I chose a rose quartz bracelet for myself, and a black mantra one for my mom. The store is a goldmine (literally!) of dainty 24K charms, but I was already set on piyao ones to adorn our wrists. You can select the charms, beads or string for a bespoke bracelet or ring. Skilled artisans make each bracelet by hand while you wait.
My bracelets were completed in 5 minutes. I am happy with my purchases, and the shop owners are accommodating. I will definitely be back, as they accept trade-in of 24K pieces. They also do re-stringing and bead replacement.
Do watch the linked video at the end of this post, and visit Covo Jewelry one of these days! They have handmade bracelets for every budget and taste. 24K is a timeless metal that goes well with everyone. I can’t wait to wear my own lucky bracelet everyday, and I’m sure that it will bring me love, fortune, and positivity!
Yesterday, I finally got to knit at Boracay.
It was a treat to watch the waves crashing by as I stitched my scarf.
I also got to buy functional souvenirs from local handmade merchants, such as Boracay Leathers.
When it was time for a cuppa, I went to Real Coffee to sample their barako and famous calamansi muffins.
I bought myself a personalized anklet from a handmade jewelry vendor.
And even if I’m not into swimming, I enjoyed the remarkable white sand and pristine waters of Boracay.
Getting out of my comfort zone is part of the journey. For every new experience, there is always knitting to keep me going so I know that there’s something to look forward to.
I recently ordered a bespoke ring from local jewelry company Borealis Crystals. It is a PWD-run online jewelry boutique which I have been stalking on Instagram for quite some time now. I have been privileged to earn some money from freelance work, and I set aside some of my pay to have a custom ring made for me.
After a month of communicating with C & J, the couple behind this homegrown brand, I finally got the pink ring of my dreams.
I love that they added a couple of Flat Tops with my order for a touch of whimsy.
My pink tourmaline is professionally-set in rose gold. I requested for a comfort-fit band, and I have been wearing this daily for almost a week now. I can definitely say that it lives up to its comfort-fit name, as it is really comfortable. I was able to write at work and the ring felt light on my fingers. I think it helps that C is into calligraphy, so she knows that a ring must not get in the way when one is writing.
I love supporting social enterprises, and businesses that empower PWD’s. I am happy that I can wear something that’s both handmade and bespoke everyday. What’s more, I get to wear a ring with a story that’s more radiant than its innate sparkle.
I highly recommend this brand, and I hope that you can check out their Instagram page for their latest on-hand designs. You may also order bespoke jewelry. Production time is from 1-2 months, depending on the design. May they help you realize the jewelry of your dreams!
Last Sunday, I started my day with some handmade accessories: my ceramic earrings from Maria Ceramika and my stainless steel and crystal necklace from Made by KCA.
I was happy to spot some pretty tiles while ordering milk tea.
I was feeling festive, so I got myself some Assam Milk Tea with Pudding and Pannacotta. This drink simply reminds me of good vibes and simpler times.
Then, I got myself a bracelet spelled g-r-i-t from Bedazzled Accessories at The Craft Central. It should remind me to keep going during tough times because I’m resilient and resourceful.
It was day two of the Destash Bash at The Craft Central Cafe! My favorite yarn store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery had a booth there, where they sold affordable yarns and makes.
I got myself this lovely cup cozy crocheted with love by Ceryl, one of the women behind this brand. I am thankful to have found this brand, and I look forward to more years of friendship with them.
I also returned to Made by KCA’s booth at the bazaar outside Vertis North. I got myself a moonstone ring inspired by my undying love for Bella Swan of the Twilight books.
I will forever support handmade because it inspires me to be a better person! I may not have much, but because I have grit and a good eye for local treasures, I know that I will survive anything that life throws at me.
And at the end of the day, there’s always milk tea.
I dropped by the Destash Bash at The Craft Central Cafe yesterday. I was looking for new stud earrings, and I was not disappointed!
Maria Ceramika had accessories that spoke to me. I love handmade earrings because they perfectly complement my pixie cut. The brand is run by emerging ceramicist Aileen Viñas from UP College of Fine Arts. I’m a fan of her work and I’ll surely watch out for her brand’s growth.
I also dropped by my friend Jensen’s booth. She sold some cute trinkets at her booth. She’s my favorite Craft Central employee, and she knows all the cool handmade brands to watch out for.
There were other booths in the Destash Bash offering affordable art and home supplies.
I ended up buying a couple of ceramic studs from Maria Ceramika.
Then, I proceeded to the bazaar outside Vertis North to buy a handmade crystal necklace from local brand Made by KCA.
I already got a pair of dangling earrings from the brand at the now-defunct Wanderspace Cafe last year. This time, I selected a trio of pendants for everyday wear: aquamarine, peridot, and rose quartz.
I love my new accessories! I always choose stainless steel pieces because I have acidic skin.
Here’s the handpainted pencil case I got from Jensen and my new necklace. I love how the colors match- and how handmade continues to make me happy.
I’ll forever be a handmade fan! Do check out these brands and keep on following my blog for more local discoveries in the future.
Yesterday was all about simple joys such as food, fitness, and crafts.
I had Potdog crab egg with garlic rice and sweet garlic sauce for lunch. Definitely worth the calories as this is one of my favorite supermarket fast food finds!
After lunch, I walked to the newly-built SM North Towers to visit the newest Starbucks Reserve cafe.
I was stunned! It honestly didn’t look like I was still in Quezon City.
I had my coffee while knitting, and I was able to unwind.
Then, I was able to buy these handmade polymer clay earrings from local brand The Baby Blue Bunny at The Craft Central.
I ended my day with a sunset walk at UP and a simple dinner of cheese corn and Rodic’s tapsilog.
Who says that I’m too complicated? I like food, coffee, crafting, buying handmade, and while it’s not pictured today, going to church. I burn everything I eat through fitness. And I keep the world updated through my blog.
Here’s to balancing my life with each spoonful and step that I take!
Yesterday, I got to catch the opening of Makers Cafe. It is located along Maginhawa Street, and it is right beside my alma mater, Holy Family School.
I won a pair of Pulseras by Kim stud earrings, and I gladly selected a pair of starry ones.
I also got to meet Kim, the lady behind Pulseras by Kim! The cafe is also hers, and I’m stoked to have a space along my favorite foodie street that sells coffee and bling.
I ordered their carbonara. It was delicious!
Their flat white did not disappoint.
The tiny space was spruced up with hipster details.
They also have fast WiFi connection, electric sockets, and yummy waffles.
I bought gold-filled jewelry from Kim as well: a textured chain and a minute Eiffel pendant. So cute!
Do take note that Kim also customizes jewelry. She also sells in bulk for giveaways.
I also bought hoop earrings for my mom.
Before driving home, I took selfies with my alma mater’s facade.
I love bling, pasta, waffles, and coffee. All these can be found under one roof. I will definitely be back for more coffee and good vibes!
