FASHION
INSPIRED PIECES: The serpent-inspired earrings are long and winding, while the necklace hugs the curves of the neck and extends down the back (LEFT). Meanwhile, feathers of a majestic bird (RIGHT) soaring through the skies were stylized in the jewelry and became long earrings, rings, and a statement cuff.
TRACES OF ANCIENT AMERICA
This exquisite Red Carpet Collection takes you on a deep dive into a pre-Columbian culture.
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s the holiday season approaches, H.Stern brings to Manila an exceptional jewelry collection straight from Brazil. On this rare occasion that it will be showcased here for a limited time, the spotlight is on the Ancient America collection. Ancient American civilizations left behind a rich cultural heritage in which they expressed a relentless attempt to understand the universe and its natural phenomena. Faced with a variety of cultural and aesthetic expressions from these civilizations, H.Stern designers were most fascinated with the belief that united all people of the preColumbian era: the certainty that the world was full of entities influenced by spiritual beings. The universal view was that souls or spirits existed not only in humans, but other pieces of the natural environment as well— animals, plants, and minerals. H.Stern interpreted the beliefs and used them as a basis for the new Ancient 44 I Mabuhay Magazine I November 2013
America Collection. Marked by patterns that reproduce animal skin, each piece in the new collection (when worn) allows one to take on the spirit form of the animal by which it was inspired, be it a serpent, fish, or even jaguar. The serpent was considered a symbol of the underworld, rebirth, and renewal. Pavé diamonds in various tones of cognac and black set in Noble Gold simulate the pattern of snakeskin in these pieces. Three sizes of rings wind and curl up around the finger. The bracelet is a show all on its own with the sinuous and snake-like movements. The jaguar was a symbol of the earthly world and men of strength and power. The jaguar’s spotted coat was re-created in rose gold, studded with black and white pavé diamonds. There are three sizes of rings, two earrings, and a bracelet, all of which beautifully interpret the jaguar spots. The fish symbolized fertility from water, nutrition and life. The fish scales are represented by small triangular plates made
of malleable Noble Gold and yellow gold. Pieces include long drop earrings, rings, and a bracelet. There is an additional option of earrings in onyx, the black stone used since ancient times and known for absorbing and dissolving negative energies. The bird symbolized the world of the gods, of peace and spirituality. These pieces are crafted in brushed yellow gold and rose gold with cognac diamonds. The jewelry in H.Stern’s Ancient America Collection has a soul that is enchanting and full of personality; a strong and magical force that attracts the eye. The pieces have the power to transform women, who, like pre-Columbian men, love to reinvent themselves—hence, their passion for fashion, beauty products, and accessories. n H.Stern is available only at Adora, 2/F Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City. Tel. No. +63 2 217 4029