Young jeweler Merrill Gaisano on ‘like’-worthy style

MANILA, Philippines – Millennials get a bad rap — for being glued to social media, for breaking rules. At the Royal Gem launch, the rebranding of the Gaisanos’ 34-year-old Cebu-grown brand Metro Jewelry, there is no shortage of Instagrammable bling. From its roots in religious gold-plated jewelry, the brand now carries the most vibrant emeralds set with diamonds in 18K white gold that require #nofilter as well as more minimal, asymmetric designs that — while trendy now — are done with a timeless, ageless flourish. It is the work of one of the family’s youngest girls: 29-year-old Merrill Gaisano who represents the new market itself, proving not all millennials are so bad.

For the intimate dinner and launch, Merrill had the savvy to pair her jewels with a black long-sleeve sheath to contrast those white diamonds set in white gold on her ears, neck, arms, and fingers (her go-to styling trick is stacking two to three thin, delicate rings or bangles together), as if they’re not there as she genuinely engages with her guests. It’s a preview of how the Gemological Institute of America graduate is shaking things up. She knows her stuff, but the end result is always to get a reaction, prodding to her consumers’ desires, those loyal and untapped, especially her fellow millennials.

She clarifies how she doesn’t design all pieces from scratch and curates the collections based on what their international partners manufacture, just like at Metro Jewelry. “We work with designers of stones from different countries and then collaborate with them on how to fit the stones into our designs,” she explains.

Her designs are based on architectural landmarks. She admits she’s having a minimalist moment — a movement which distills a concept to its essence so it is able to speak for itself. Another thing she loves? Third-wave coffee.

We caught up with the third generation Gaisano on what informs the aesthetic and strategy that she is bringing into an established brand made new.

THE PHILIPPINE STAR: Growing up around jewelry, how do you like to wear your own?

MERILL GAISANO: Because I am young, I go for light and airy, small and classic pieces that won’t overwhelm my wardrobe. When I work, I’m in trousers or a shift dress worn with ballerina flats. For evening, I’m usually in a sheath dress with no embellishments. Sometimes you don’t need show-stopping design to stand out. It’s the same with jewelry. How the stones are set can make the diamonds sparkle more, like in these asymmetric, geometric-inspired rings I am wearing now from our Celestia collection. The diamonds are not all flat.

How did you explore your taste in jewelry when you were younger?

When I was younger, I only wore gold. No pearls or diamonds at all. Being Chinese, I wore a coral bracelet as a child.

Does Cebuano culture affect how you curate and design pieces?

It does. We like to dress up. There really is a specific expectation of what kind of jewelry should be worn for social events and that’s “the bigger, the better.” We have the Ultra collection specifically for this purpose. I was inspired by the jewelry Hollywood celebrities wear on the red carpet. They are photogenic and visible even from afar, making it perfect for big gatherings. Our other collections can be worn for daytime events, but they still stand out.

On the other hand, western style icons like Coco Chanel advise us to remove at least one accessory before heading out the door. To choose only one statement piece, between a statement earring or necklace, not both.

That’s true. What’s unique not just for Cebuano or Filipino culture but also for Southeast Asian culture is we look for sets. The earrings, pendant, and ring have to come in a matching design and they are going to be worn all at the same time.

As a millennial at the helm of a 34-year-old jewelry line, has the way you use social media influenced the direction you are steering the brand?

Greatly, from designing to curating our collections. Social media has influenced how the consumers buy and that’s great for us in retail because we can now introduce more forward designs. Back then, if we put out something forward-thinking, it’s a big risk for us. Now, you’ll be surprised that the consumers are more trendy and advanced in terms of designs they request for, and I’m able to have fun with that. I think of what people will appreciate, even if they don’t know it yet.

Can you give us a jewelry trend forecast based on Instagram’s style influencers? Who do you follow on Instagram?

Right now, it’s layering necklaces, long necklaces, and different kinds of bangles meant to be stacked together. There will still be asymmetric rings, but bigger statement rings, like cocktail rings, and personalized jewelry, like alphabet pendants, are making a comeback. I follow about 500 people for their style and lifestyle posts, a lot of bloggers, from Kim Jones to Margaret Zhang.

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Royal Gem is located in Metro Stores at Ayala Center Cebu, Alabang Town Center, Market! Market!, Marquee Mall Pampanga, and Metro Legazpi.