This Siargao-based jewelry brand should be on your radar

After traveling to Siargao for the first time in September 2016, it only took couple Jenn and Daniel two months to leave everything behind in Melbourne, Australia and settle in the surfing capital of the Philippines for good. 

“We fell in love with the island straight away. We loved that we were around nature and the sea. The vibe was light and easy. We also met amazing people along the way,” both share.

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They had just arrived in time for the General Luna fiesta and the World Surf League competition, annual festivities that dress the island and the locals in high spirits.

Shortly after, Golden Monstera jewelry was established.

Brass and beautiful

It was at a yoga studio in Melbourne where Jenn first saw the Monstera Deliciosa, a tropical plant with large, dark green leaves that has become a popular house décor in the recent years. 

Little did they know that this mundane encounter would lead to their brand’s maiden collection: the Monstera earrings.

Courtesy of Golden Monstera

Most of the pieces are made of top-quality brass sourced from Germany, while a handful are made of silver, the raw materials of which are shipped from England.

Golden Monstera takes pride in being one of the few local brands that create jewelry made of pure brass, which is “known for its durability and has been used, recycled, and repurposed in different industries all over the world,” says Daniel. “About ninety percent of all brass in the world is recycled, making it a sustainable option.”

The jewelry items are mostly made by hand, while the more intricate baubles go through casting, a process where molten brass is poured into a mold. Once the item is casted, it then undergoes cleaning, buffing, and polishing. Jenn further explains, “Handling brass requires more effort, a more powerful fire, extra filing, and full and undivided attention for the finishing.”

The couple is literally hands-on when it comes to designing the products (they both took intensive silversmithing classes). “We design and curate brass and silver jewelry pieces. Sometimes, we use semi-precious stones, especially with our rings,” says Jenn.

As the demand grew, however, they had to outsource some of the pieces. Still, Daniel and Jenn make sure to oversee every step of the production process, naming each piece and sorting the items into collections.

Wearable travel mementos

Golden Monstera’s collections serve as a journal chronicling the couple’s travels abroad. The Daen, for instance, is a 22-piece collection showcasing the minimalist aesthetics of the Japanese.

“We were amazed by Japan’s minimalist lifestyle and culture, [so] we made pieces out of that,” shares Daniel. The Antü features touches of indigenous designs perfect for those with classy bohemian style—think mandala-inspired earrings, or a tribal choker that can dress up any plain outfit. 

Whether it’s a minimalist ring or a statement pair of earrings, Golden Monstera’s line of demi-fine jewelry appeals to women of any age.

“The kind of woman we cater to are those who put effort into living a more sustainable lifestyle while still being able to confidently express themselves in their own way through our jewelry” describes Jenn.

And while the pieces are meticulously made and elegant in design, the brand does not come with a hefty price tag.

You can purchase a ring from the Minima Brass collection for less than P800, while a pair of signature Monstera earrings are at P2,490.

The Wave ring, which has gained popularity as a perfect Siargao souvenir, is available in brass and silver starting at P1,490.

Among the bestsellers are the Loan (P990), Trompul (P990), and Rupu (P1,690) earrings. Other pieces worth adding to your virtual cart are the Burma bangles (P1,690), a set of stacked bangles that makes for an eye-catching arm candy; and the Ethnic anklet (P1,690), a chic must-have for long walks on the beach.

Items come packaged in a dainty white box stamped with a single gold Monstera leaf. A polishing cloth is also included. Inside, written in clean font, is the brand’s website and the word “Siargao”—a declaration of how Jenn and Daniel are proud of the island they now call home.

On cloud nine

As the brand gains attention, Jenn and Daniel are spurred to continue learning more about their craft as they explore the rest of the world for fresh inspiration. They look forward to opening their own brick-and-mortar store in Siargao.

“We also have plans to spend more time in Europe so we can start the development of Golden Monstera there. Other markets that are quite interesting for us are Japan and the United States,” details Jenn.

For those who want to see the pieces up close, Golden Monstera is available at Gwapitos Shop at Kermit Surf Resort, Kudo Surf Shop, Bravo Shop, Sirena Spa, and Harana Resort, all in Siargao, Surigao del Norte. Golden Monstera is also sold at Kubo by Piopio in Makati City.  

“We believe this business is a long-term commitment, and we are excited for its evolution,” Daniel and Jenn both enthuse. Given its increasing popularity—not to mention the exquisite products that speak for themselves—Golden Monstera is one homegrown brand that’s poised to ride the wave of success. — LA, GMA News

*All photos courtesy of Golden Monstera