CEBU, Philippines - Diamonds are a girl's best friend. But Annie Chen's jewelries offer other options for girls, as per 856 G Gallery's exhibit of her collection of silver and stones in a soiree held two Saturdays ago.
Annie Chen crafted her first jewelry some 30 years ago. Since then, she has published a book on her works, exhibited in and out of the country and grew a network of clients, both local and foreign.
Annie's collection exemplifies bridge jewelry. A combination of contemporary geometric design and classic lines, these handiworks fall between the exorbitant fine jewelry and the inexpensive costume jewelry. The price of bridge jewelry approximates that of the fine jewelry while its design is as avante garde as those of the costume jewelry.
Before landing on someone's neck or arms, Chen's jewelries undergo a meticulous process right from sketching the piece down to "plateros" or silversmiths detailing the handiwork.
Silver is the main material used in Chen's creations. By combining the right amount of silver and other metals, sterling silver results. It is then complemented by vibrant stones that adorn the pieces.
The stones that embellish the masterpieces are handpicked by Chen herself during her many travels. These are precious and semi-precious stones, biwa beads, fossils and even human bones.
Chen's jewelry collection showcases silver chokers that could be customized with pendants of the customer's choice, rosary bracelets made of biwa beads and geometric rings. A new addition to the series was the tooth treasure chests that could be topped with the customer's birthstone.
To call the works special would be an understatement. Chen and her silversmiths go through lengths to ensure quality of the jewelries and provide her personal touch as well. Every piece is exactly how the artist envisioned it to be. (FREEMAN)