Journalist Cristina Gomez, former social editor of Lifestyle Asia magazine, has set aside her passion for the written word to pursue another passion: designing statement jewelry pieces, bags and accessories.

Named after the Hebrew word seraphim, which literally means angel with fire, House of Serafina offers handcrafted jewelry pieces and evening bags made of brass dipped in 24-karat gold.

Her Cinderella bag, a round piece shaped like a pumpkin, can set you back by P23,000. She also offers a line of intricately crafted gold filigree and cameo-inspired mother of pearl cuffs.

“Common elements that run through the collection are the use of gold filigree and semiprecious stones,” said Gomez, who supplemented her love for jewelry with a short course in accessory design in Milan.

“Others have used these materials before. This time, I’m incorporating some of my pieces with unlikely recycled materials.”

Affordable pieces

The more affordable pieces include woven clutches made of locally sourced buntal and adorned with semiprecious stones and recycled materials like refrigerator cord (prices start at P4,500), which form part of the bag’s clasp.

Another fine example of recycling is her use of discarded bamboo to form part of a bag accented with gold filigree (between P24,000 to P25,000). The contrast between rustic and intricate elements makes for an ideal conversation piece.

“Serafina’s pieces are very much like me—versatile, practical and, hopefully, memorable,” Gomez said. “My active lifestyle calls for pieces that can be worn from day to night for many years to come.”

As opposed to showy but poorly made costume jewelry, Gomez believes her well-made and handcrafted pieces could be passed down to future generations. In fact, she first drew inspiration from the past to produce contemporary pieces.

Gomez and her mother were going through her grandmother’s jewelry pieces one day when she chanced upon the old lady’s gold filigree ring. It became the initial spark for her to embark on a totally different career.

“When I saw the piece, I started thinking of making a collection out of it,” she said. “And from there, the idea spun into bracelets and bags. I’ve always wanted a round bag. And since one of my favorite Disney characters is Cinderella, I drew inspiration from her carriage made from pumpkin.”

Main focus

Up until a year ago, Gomez was unsure whether or not there’s a market for her pieces. With a little push from family and friends, she finally embarked on her dream of becoming a full-time designer.

Brother Arlu Gomez and his American partner Anthony Cospito are the company’s creative director and marketing director, respectively.

Apart from Serafina, the line’s Facebook page, people can inquire or order through the company’s website, www.houseofserafina.com.

“I can still write for various magazines, but my main focus is now on House of Serafina,” said Gomez. “We do have filigreed pieces in the Philippines, but they’re not as intricate as the ones we offer.”

Some of her pieces were inspired by stuff she found in Spain and Turkey. But most of them are locally made, while others are done abroad.