Photographed by Mcaine Carlos
Vogue Philippines sat down with Jewelmer’s Marion Branellec De Guzman, who shared the story behind Lumière de l’Infini.
When the Lumière de l’Infini Crown returned to the Philippines, it was more than just the arrival of a glittering crown; it was the symbolic homecoming of a Filipino-made masterpiece. Designed by Jewelmer and first revealed on the Miss Universe stage, the crown returned to local soil earlier this year, marking a poignant and proud moment for the country. Marion Branellec De Guzman, chief marketing officer of Jewelmer, reflects on what the crown’s return means for the brand and Filipino artistry.
“The crown returned alongside Victoria Kjær Theilvig’s first visit to our country,” she shares. “Its return is an inspiring and uplifting reminder that Filipino artistry and talent can shape something that the world looks to with awe.” To Jewelmer, the homecoming was significant; a full-circle moment that saw a creation born of the Palawan seas, shaped by Filipino craftsmanship, return as a global legend. “The crown was designed to be a beacon of light and hope, and we hope that its comeback has inspired the endless dreams of Filipinas.”
While not on public display, a rare and intimate viewing was held at Maison Jewelmer. “It was exclusively for our most valued clients,” says Branellec De Guzman. “It was a rare opportunity for them to witness the crown up close, made more profound by being in a space that dives deep into the passion and artistry behind its creation.”
Asked about the design process, she speaks with respect. Jewelmer’s artisans drew inspiration from the elements of life, crafting an exquisite piece that centers around the golden South Sea pearl. “Without the pearl, the crown cannot exist. In essence, the pearl is life itself.” The crown embodies the four classical elements: earth, air, water, and fire. Diamond-adorned rays represent the sun’s light and fire. Sculpted tendrils of gold symbolize seafoam and wind across the waves. And the pearls themselves form the Earth’s core, bridging the ocean, universe, and infinity. The piece was meticulously handcrafted by Filipino master craftsmen trained in the traditional techniques of Place Vendôme in Paris.
Since Victoria Kjær Theilvig’s crowning as Miss Universe, her role as ambassador has been met with admiration. “She brings grace, elegance, intelligence, and authenticity to every appearance—values that are synonymous with the Jewelmer woman,” Branellec De Guzman says. Whether she is traveling or walking the red carpet, she often wears the South Sea pearls, with the crown serving as her most significant adornment.
For Jewelmer, the Lumière de l’Infini Crown is a powerful emblem of its identity and mission. “It represents the heart and core of Jewelmer: beauty with purpose and craftsmanship with conscience,” she says. “It symbolizes the harmony between man and nature, a reminder of the magic that transpires from patience, purpose, and the power of creation.” But more than that, the crown is a piece of living history. It is an homage to generations of dedication, a tribute to Filipino artistry, and a symbol of the quiet strength and brilliance of the Filipino people. When the crown was placed on Victoria’s head, it was an emotional moment for Jewelmer’s pearl farmers. “They were overcome with emotion at seeing the crown on an international stage,” she shares. “It was a full-circle moment—their years of harvesting and nurturing the pearls had manifested into an icon of Filipino pride and glory.”
Although Jewelmer had previously created the La Mer en Majesté Crown in 2022 for Miss Universe Philippines, featuring pearls as the centerpiece of national symbolism, the house has since turned down requests for bespoke crowns. “We have respectfully declined these requests,” says Branellec De Guzman, “choosing instead to dedicate our time and craftsmanship to a one-of-a-kind creation of unparalleled significance.” The Miss Universe Organization entrusted Jewelmer with full creative freedom, and after years of thoughtful preparation, the brand unveiled a crown that captured not only its artistry, but also the rarest treasures of nature.
At the moment, Jewelmer is not developing a new crown, but the spirit of Lumière de l’Infini lives on in the brand’s evolving body of work. “One such example is Objets d’Art, a collection that blurs the lines between fine jewelry and ornament,” she explains. Years in the making, the series draws once more from the four universal elements and transforms them into poetic, wearable sculptures centered on the South Sea pearl. It is this ongoing dialogue with nature, art, and heritage that continues to shape the future of Jewelmer, one luminous creation at a time.
