Golden pearl brand Jewelmer, headquartered in Manila, has appointed Joseph Meli, previously of Bagués-Masriera, to the position of operations director for the Americas.

Meli will head wholesale activities in the Americas effective immediately, and will be present at the upcoming Couture show in Las Vegas, where Jewelmer exhibits during jewelry week.

“We are pleased to work alongside Mr. Meli in our North and South American pursuits,” says Jewelmer founder Jacques Christophe Branellec. “His 34-year-long expertise in the fine jewelry industry will be invaluable to our team.”

Meli recently visited the Jewelmer pearl farms in the Palawan Islands, Philippines, where he learned firsthand about the company’s pearl operations.

“The compelling story of Jewelmer Joaillerie and the uniqueness and rarity of the golden south sea pearl will surprise and delight the luxury fine jewelry buyer here in the U.S. market,” Meli says. “Seldom have I seen such an exquisite balance between nature and the people who devote their lives to bringing her most special creations from the sea to our fine jewelry world. I am honored to have joined the Jewelmer family.”

Jewelmer has built a reputation as an international luxury brand distinguished by its use of rare golden South Sea pearls. Established in 1979 by pilot and French pearl farmer Jacques Branellec and Filipino entrepreneur Manuel Cojuangco, the firm grows all its ecologically harvested pearls in the remote Palawan Islands, providing jobs, clean water, and basic health care and environmental education to local indigenous populations.

Joseph Meli learning to clean oysters during his recent visit to the Jewelmer pearl farms in the Palawan Islands, Philippines

JCK