Read an excerpt of this month’s MEGA Man cover story on Sep Vergara and how he helps his clients find the perfect engagement ring or wedding band.
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After research, trial and error, Sep Vergara was able to launch his platinum line in 2019. He still works with gold, he says, but he is becoming known for his white bands that truly signify forever. “I still sell gold jewelry because it still holds its own beauty, but platinum is really the best for rings. Engagement and wedding rings that are worn very often are usually the ones that get hit or accidentally scratched the most.”
White gold has the same classic look, but the plating wears out over time and can flake off, exposing the base metal underneath. In turn, these need to be reinforced or replated to replace the metal that was lost. “Since platinum is more durable than gold, it can also hold your diamonds a lot better. It is also a true hypoallergenic metal because it’s 95% pure.” He shares tips on buying the “perfect fit.” For men looking at engagement rings, he advises considering the style and personality of the girl. “In some cases, they will buy a very extravagant and simple. Other men may be minimalists,but their partners want more intricate details for their rings. Apart from these preferences, I also consider their budget.
It’s better to provide alternatives and find the best deal for them. After all, we already offer platinum customization here in the Philippines—so why not choose the best metal out there, one that is exceptionally pure, rarer, denser than fold, and is everlasting? Research for best metals, and mostly, people really like the white gold, but factor in that people also like other colors, so understand what the girl really wants, since it can also vary from yellow gold or rose gold.”
For those who are still starting their own jewelry collection, Sep advises to just start with the basics. “Go for classics. You can mix and match to achieve the style that you want—create layers with rings, necklaces, bangles and even earrings. Eventually, when your budget allows, you can slowly add pieces with bigger diamonds or ones with heavier and thicker metal to your collection.”
With jewelry being seen more as a form of investment in these uncertain times, he shares these thoughts for prospectors. “For me, you will get the most of your money in jewelry if you like the jewelry itself.
“If you keep wearing the jewelry, that’s when the value increases, because when you wear it a lot, enjoy it, and use it, there’s an appreciation.”
Sep Vergara
Of course, you want to buy something that you can eventually appreciate (in value), and then you can enjoy using it as well. Then, there’s a possibility you can pass it on to your children, and all the memories it has with it. I think jewelry has meaning, you can wear it, if possible, every day. That’s the jewelry I recommend for people to buy so you can enjoy and make the most out of it.”
Sep Vergara is introducing high-quality platinum jewelry to the local jewelry industry. Read more about it in MEGA Man’s December 2021 issue now available in Readly, Magzter, Press Reader and Zinio
Photography KIERAN PUNAY of STUDIO 100
Art direction JANN PASCUA
Styling RYUJI SHIOMITSU assisted by BEA GUERRERO & MIGUEL QUILANG.
Grooming CATS DEL ROSARIO assisted by MORIEL FLORES
Hair RICKY DIOKNO
Shoot coordination MJ ALMERO and MAE TALAID
Interview and transcription GRETCHEN GATAN
Shot on location at PALACIO DE MEMORIA, PARAÑAQUE
Special thanks to CHONA MODESTANO, CAMILLE LHUILLER, DANEL CALIXTO
To view his jewelry pieces and inquire about customization, visit www.sepvergara.com or their Instagram. You may also visit his brick-and-mortar stores at Ayala Malls the 30th in Pasig City and MarQuee Mall in Angeles City, Pampanga.
