When we think about Filipino jewelry, traditional ornaments made out of pearls and gold are often the first things that come to mind. But while these may be strong parts of our identity, so much of our culture is made up of stories that go beyond any material—uniquely Filipino experiences that connect us to who we are and where we come from.
Una Artesana then takes this somber, abstract reality and molds it into jewelry that tells these stories for us. With its concept intentionally inspired by Filipino folklore and myths, founder Susanne Verallo presents thoughtful pieces that stand not only as a symbol of our culture but also as treasures that we can pass down along with the tales they represent.
Finding Guidance from the Elements
Since Susanne’s first launch in 2020, Una Artesana has released three collections that embody a distinct aspect of Filipino mythology, paying homage to the forces shaping our world and the spirits guiding our lives.
The first collection called Langit draws inspiration from the skies, the celestial beings, and the gods who watch over us. From here, we are then taken from the ethers as we are invited to enjoy the rich, fertile soil of the earth with its second collection called Lupa which features different Filipino fruits. This was then followed by the Diwata collection which, though may similarly focus on the life that blooms here on earth, puts more emphasis on the mystical forces in Filipino nature.
Across these collections, Una Artesana offers a captivating selection of jewelry that transforms mythology into wearable art. From a variety of earrings to chokers and necklaces—each piece is meticulously designed to reflect the themes and stories of Filipino folklore and connect us to the rich traditions and elemental forces that define it.
From Head to Hand to Heart
But apart from the products and everything that makes Una Artesana the brand that it is today, Susanne also shares this as an artful process where every collection is a canvas, and each piece of jewelry is a work of art that tells a story.
“It is also my art practice,” she shares, expressing her dedication to her creativity and craft in making not only accessories, but also culminations of cultural narratives, personal memories, and artistic vision.
Central to this process is the intricate art of beadwork (bead weaving and French beading) which Susanne shares is a skill she takes pride in honing herself. “I started teaching myself from online tutorials. Around the same time I was researching Filipino mythology and folklore, and I thought it would be fun to try making beaded pieces inspired by the stories I was reading about,” she recalls.
Present throughout the majority of her collections, we see how this delicate interplay of glass beads, woven together with precision and patience, ultimately brings to life the rich stories of Filipino mythology.
In addition to beadwork, Susanne also finds importance in exploring other ways she can make her art as she continues to grow with it. “More recently I’ve been branching out into new materials and techniques. In 2022 I created my first sculpted collection inspired by our endemic flora. And later this year I’ll be launching my first cast metal collection, Talismans.”
Through this continuous innovation, Susanne ensures that Una Artesana remains true to its artistic roots, one that honors tradition while embracing new possibilities. Each piece, whether beaded, sculpted, or cast, is a testament to her dedication to her art and her passion for telling the stories that define Filipino culture.
The Gift that Keeps on Giving
As Susanne continues to craft each collection, her vision for Una Artesana goes beyond creating beautiful jewelry—putting more focus into starting conversations on our own culture and heritage and sparking a deeper appreciation for them.
“My hope for Una Artesana is that it inspires more and more people, especially my fellow Filipinos both here and abroad, to discover our stories. From the myths and legends of our ancestors to the beauty of our islands, each jewelry piece I create is a celebration of our history and culture. My pieces are an invitation to decolonize and reconnect with our heritage,” she shares.
Ultimately standing as a reminder that our culture is a treasure trove of wisdom, beauty, and identity, let us then find ourselves in Una Artesana’s process of transforming elements of folklore into tangible, wearable art as a first step to a journey of cultural rediscovery. Follow Una Artesana on Instagram and visit their website to discover these beautiful pieces, each one a testament to our shared heritage and a reminder of the legacy we pass on to future generations.
Photography Kyrra Kho
