Gift Guide Janina Jewels

CEBU, Philippines - Multifunctional and modern. What’s not to love about Manila-based jewelry design virtuoso Janina Dizon-Hoschka’s artisanal pieces? In her recent first exclusive jewelry trunk show in Cebu held at A Café in Crossroads, Banilad, the gemologist showcased her latest Janina for Jul Dizon Holiday collection of jewels and clutches, and a few signature lines for all jewel-worshippers and bag nuts to ogle.

Tickle your fancy, stock up on these Janina jewels this party season and shoot for that belle of the ball/star of the night crown. For the men, take home a sweet surprise for your woman… something that she’ll love you more for choosing.

Design Philosophy

“It’s quite simple. I design for myself. These are things that I like. It’s the idea of having to keep something that if I do like them, I get to keep them. And luckily enough, the public receives it very well. I like to use innovative materials. I like to use stingray which is what I’m known for. I like to use a lot of gemstones, colored stones. Base metal is usually silver. I try to keep it at a friendly price point.”

Yuletide Jewels

Lobes and neck charms, and arm candies, complete the collection that is generally a mélange of hues. “For the Holiday Collection, I did a lot of colors. I’m usually known for using a lot of happy colors. I know that it’s fall-winter (collection) which tends to go into darker tones, yet in the Philippines, we have a sunny climate so it doesn’t really have to work for us.”

Tatjana Clutches

With jewelry comes bags. Hold on tight to a Tatjana to complete the look. A 0.33 carat diamond dotted either inside or outside the flap play accent to a finely crafted clutch made from stingray and fine lambskin that comes in a myriad of hues of sunny yellow, grass green, blue sapphires, hot pinks, among others. The “color blocked stingray clutch”, named after Janina’s daughter, was launched last May.  “Luckily enough, after 24 hours of just showing it on Facebook, all got sold. It’s been well-received locally and internationally.” Elongated clutches in matte crocodile leather are on stands this Holiday Season.

Materials

“I source them everywhere. I use a lot of wood. I do stingray lines. On using stingray, I lived in Thailand seven years ago. My husband was relocated there so we were there for five years and I saw that they were using stingray. So I got interested in using it as base.”

Inspiration

“A lot of things can inspire me. From nature to my children’s toys, hence the Transformer Line that was inspired from my children’s lego toys. So, I made the Transformer Line where you take components out and then move it, twist it around to create a new object. (Trans-former Line: The ease of putting together different looks in such a simple and easy way. —www. janina-dizon.com )”

Ulti-mately, Janina takes inspiration from her jewel hero, her mom, renowned jeweler the late Jul Dizon who mentored her through the years. Mrs. Dizon’s noteworthy awards are from the prestigious De Beers International Diamond Competition, the Oscar’s of the jewelry industry. Mrs. Dizon ran the jewelry business her mother Paz Bañas  started way back in the 40s. In 1991, Janina joined the company. “Through mom, I saw how the business is done. I learned the value of integrity and word of honor. Most importantly, I consider mom as an amazing woman for being able to juggle career and motherhood. We’re open from Mondays to Fridays only since the weekend is reserved for the family. I practice that now.” Janina continues the tradition with her Janina for Jul Dizon handmade art.

Janina for Jul Dizon shops are located at: Mezzanine Level, The Peninsula Manila, Makati; Edsa Shangri-La, Manila; and in Amanpulo Resort, Palawan. (FREEMAN)