Not only one nor two, but rather three globally-acclaimed publications featured her on their respective magazines, proving she has a true talent in jewelry design.
Let’s be honest—to be featured on Vogue has always been the dream for any designer or celebrity. It has this unexplainable prestige when people in high places recognize your designs—the fruit of your hard-earned labor. So, what more if you are a young, budding artist?
As MEGA has always been on the lookout for upcoming Filipino designers—whether local or international—we recently came to learn of an excellent feat by young Filipina jewelry designer Denise Ching. Her brand, Devaluchi Joaillerie, offers a wide range of styles from classic to contemporary. It evokes modernism and panache, immortalizing whimsical, colorful, fine, quality jewelry pieces.
And because of her ingenious, innovative creations albeit unconventional designs, three notable globally-acclaimed publications took notice of her work namely, Condé Nast Traveller, Tatler UK, and British Vogue. On top of that, Devaluchi Joaillerie is relatively
still a young brand having only been established in 2018. According to the young blood, international titles took notice of her brand because of “referrals from the jewelry industry abroad. referrals from the jewelry industry abroad. At first, I was just aiming for Solitaire magazine, but with God’s right timing Condé Nast contacted me, and the list goes on.”
Humble Beginnings
Just like many young girls who grew up following how their mom styles herself with pure sophistication, Denise Ching’s earliest jewelry memory was because of her mom’s 5-carat heart shape yellow diamond ring. Little did she know that a simple yet profound moment with her mom was the start of her journey towards becoming a fashion designer-turned-gemologist.
After graduating from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde with a degree in fashion design and merchandising, she immediately pursued a life-long dream. She got accepted at the prestigious Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in Hong Kong under its three graduate degrees: colored stones program, diamonds program, and gemologist program.
And as she continued to expand her knowledge in the world of gems, she was able to found her own design philosophy. “I would describe my designs as modern, flamboyant, and elegant,” Denise explains. Moreover, as she loves to read magazines, it has served her well because it’s where she normally draws inspiration from. “I just then put my personal touch whenever I design. Sometimes, I would also look at my surroundings and a design just pops up,” she adds.
Just Do It
Oblivion is one thing that the majority of us fears. But while the future is full of the unknown, sometimes you have to take that leap of faith and believe in yourself—these are the most crucial things that Denise Ching learned during her stay in GIA.
“I learned a lot from GIA. From correctly grading diamonds to identifying different colored stones. But the most important thing I’ve learned from GIA is to believe in myself,” she recalls. “In our final practical exams, we weren’t allowed to have any mistakes. Our practical exams had to be perfect which was very daunting for me. I clearly remember being upset because in our last practice—a day before our practical exams I had four mistakes—which made me lose confidence.”
Fortunately, she believes that God manifested words through her professor that each of our minds is like “an Olympic game, you have to trust your abilities.” Heeding her mentor’s advice, lo and behold, she had a perfect grade and got her diploma. So, up until today, she has kept that advice intact whenever she collaborates with her goldsmiths.
“When it comes to jewelry design the most important aspect is feasibility and precision. You have to constantly talk to the goldsmith if the design can be executed properly and make sure that he follows the measurements correctly—again, no mistakes,” she reiterates.
Albeit all of her success in terms of her education, starting her own brand in the Philippines was definitely a challenge. When she finally opened her first-ever boutique in Estancia at the Capitol Commons in early 2020, it only took a matter of weeks before the lockdown happened. “During that time, there were more expenses than sales. I was more focused on the problem than the solution,” she shares.
But in the long run, Devaluchi Joaillerie was able to pivot through the encouragement of Denise’s friends and family, and most importantly, by restrategizing. After all, a Devaluchi Woman is someone who is resilient and dauntless. She isn’t afraid to express herself. She listens to herself and not what others think of her.
So, in the near future, when Denise Ching’s plans of finally having her own studio in Switzerland or the United Kingdom become a reality, we won’t be surprised anymore when we see her brand along with the famed jewelry boutiques of Hatton Garden. And that’s because she understood that in life, you just do it.
Check out Devaluchi Joaillerie’s well-crafted jewelry here. Follow her on Instagram @devaluchijoaillerie for more info and updates.
