Initially trained as an architect, Fai Co’s dream had always been to design beautiful homes, impressive skyscrapers and grand buildings, rather than creating jewellery. However, fate had decided otherwise for the young Filipino. His father wanted Fai to work on his pearl farm and trained him in all the tasks that would allow him to become experienced in the pearl trade – ranging from cleaning the equipment to sorting out the pearls. As a result, Fai Co’s understanding and love of pearls grew day by day, and he finally made the choice of joining the family business, deciding, however, to concentrate on its creative aspect.

Combining his background in design and his knowledge of the pearl industry, Fai Co began to design his own jewellery, which is a mix of both the conventional and the modern. His numerous creations include soft, gentle, flowing lines as well as stark geometric forms. The designer relentlessly seeks inspiration in the most unusual places and objects. He considers that jewellery, in the same way as a painting or a sculpture, is an art form which mirrors the culture of people and portrays a certain period of time or a specific era. In the designer’s opinion, jewellery must not only be perceived as an ornament or an accessory but rather as a work of art in its own right, that may be handed down from generation to generation.

Fai Co soon established his own company, Hoseki Jewellery Art, which includes his atelier and a showroom. With the motto: “World-class South Sea Pearls, World-class designs”, it comes as no surprise that pearls, and especially the South Sea pearl, which is the Philippines national gem, are a predominant feature in all his creations. He sees pearls - the only gems grown from a living form – as unique works of art and a true gift of nature.

The jeweller’s striking and most original creations quickly became recognized both locally and internationally and he is already a three-time winner of the International South Sea Pearl Design Competition. In addition, there have already been seven solo jewellery exhibitions and jewellery fashion shows of his work.

Fai Co’s vision and his attachment to his country make him set on developing the reputation and standard of Filipino jewellery. He believes that the creativity and craftsmanship of the Filipinos set them apart and gives them a unique opportunity to excel in this art, both at home and abroad.

As a homage to one of the Philippines well-loved mythical creatures, Fai Co chose to create a stunning piece of jewellery inspired by the Sarimanok. This mythical bird from the southern part of the archipelago depicts a stylized rooster with long colourful feather-tails and piercing eyes. Folklore relates that this bird possesses the power of bringing good luck and casting away bad spirits. This belief has made this creature very popular amongst high ranking people of the community and it is not uncommon to see a Sarimanok placed on the roof of their house or to find the bird on woven tribal textiles or on various accessories.

FAI CO
#22 First Street
New Manila
Quezon City,
Philippines
Tel: +63 917 900 9991
Fax: +63 414 2088