A homecoming story, shimmering with the luster of South Sea pearls. ARAO, a Hong Kong-based jewelry brand, has arrived in the Philippines, finding its first official home within Rustan’s Silver Vault at Shangri-La Plaza. This isn’t simply a business expansion; it’s a deeply personal journey for founder Mirabel Rosar, a Filipina who built her brand with her heritage at its core.
Mirabel Rosar left the Philippines in 2012, embarking on a life that took her through Switzerland, Australia, and finally, Hong Kong. Throughout her travels, a striking pattern emerged. Foreigners consistently admired her style, captivated by pieces sourced from her homeland. “People would always say good things about stuff that I buy from the Philippines,” she recalls, a realization that sparked the idea for ARAO.
The heart of ARAO’s designs lies in the Philippines’ exquisite Golden South Sea pearls. These aren’t merely adornments; they are statements. The “For the Soul” collection, debuting at Rustan’s, features each pearl as a unique solitaire, elegantly paired with crystals – aquamarine, amethyst, citrine, and more – each chosen for its specific energy and meaning.
Beyond aesthetics, ARAO embraces a philosophy of “everyday luxury.” Mirabel Rosar envisioned pieces that resonate with the spirit, designs that elevate the ordinary. She was recently seen wearing a striking collar of agate fillets, connected by a baroque pearl, a testament to the brand’s bold and individualistic style. These baroque pearls, with their irregular shapes, ensure that no two pieces are ever exactly alike.
Growing up surrounded by pearls, Mirabel initially took their beauty for granted. It was her German mother-in-law’s enthusiastic reaction – a fervent desire to acquire these treasures – that revealed their true value. “In that part of the world, it’s so expensive,” she explained. “It’s really something that we should be proud of.”
While deeply rooted in Philippine heritage, ARAO strategically operates from Hong Kong. The city’s position as a global jewelry hub, hosting four major fairs annually, provides invaluable insight into market trends and technological advancements. It’s a place where the brand can observe, innovate, and stay ahead of the curve.
ARAO’s creative director, Luis Espiritu, notes the brand’s foresight in combining semiprecious stones with pearls before it became a widespread trend. They also champion less conventional stones, like every shade of sapphire *except* blue, demonstrating a commitment to originality and refined taste.
Remarkably, ARAO was born during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hong Kong’s strict lockdowns, while challenging, inadvertently created an opportunity. With travel restricted, consumers shifted their spending towards luxury goods, fueling the brand’s initial growth. This agility allowed ARAO to thrive where larger brands struggled.
The pandemic’s impact on luxury spending proved temporary. As travel resumed, spending patterns normalized. However, ARAO’s nimble approach and relevant designs positioned it for continued success. Small brands, capable of adapting quickly, found a way to flourish in the evolving landscape.
Sustainability is also central to ARAO’s ethos. Pearl farming, by its very nature, is an environmentally responsible practice. “Pearls cannot grow in an unhealthy environment,” Mirabel explains, emphasizing that supporting pearl farming is synonymous with promoting healthy oceans. The brand is actively exploring further sustainable practices, including utilizing oyster shells in designs and investigating the use of recycled gold.
“We only live in one earth, and we know that resources are scarce,” Mirabel Rosar states with conviction. ARAO isn’t just crafting beautiful jewelry; it’s building a brand with a conscience, honoring both its Philippine roots and the planet’s future.
