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the Man
Hans Brumann, Swiss by birth, Filipino by
choice, is the Philippines leading jewelry designer.
 Born
into a baker's family, Hans wanted to do something different, something with
passion, something that would stir his imagination. Jewelry making - combining
both his creative and technical flair - seemed to match his aspirations.
Defying family tradition, Hans began his apprenticeship in Zurich in 1957,
followed by formal schooling at the Fachhochschule in Schwaebisch-Gmuend,
Germany. His next career step was a stint in 1965 with Andrew Gima in London,
during the heady days of the swinging 60s. Later he returned to Zurich to work
for Paul Binder and Zurbuchen AG.
In 1967, his search for inspiration and
excellence led him to the Philippines to work with the most prestigious firm at
that time, La Estrella del Norte. Recognizing his skills and ideas could only
truly flourish in his own company, he formed Hans Brumann, Inc. in 1976.
Since then his pieces have been synonymous
with style and his collections highly sought after. His work is distinctive - a
strong minimalist approach, never ornate or overdone - a reflection of his
impeccable style. "Jewelry is not a
fashion fad. Pieces should be created to last a lifetime if possible",
according to Hans.
Paying tribute to other art forms, Hans
initiated collaborative exhibitions with other celebrated artists in the
Philippines - sculptors and painters - fusing jewelry, wood, glass, and other
elements. "These collaborations keep
alive what I think is the most important element in the making of jewelry - the
quest for new ideas".
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The Company
Founded in 1978, Hans Brumann Inc. (HBI)
started as a small jewelry shop in Makati that catered to Manila's elite and
foreign expatriates. It was an exclusive shop that dealt more on made-to-order
items designed by Mr. Hans Brumann, rather than retail purchases. All jewelry
made were timeless masterpieces with contemporary designs and exceptional
craftsmanship set in platinum, 18k or 14k yellow, gold, white gold or both.
Initial concentration and specialty were in pieces made with South Sea Pearls,
Mother of Pearl and platinum.
As time passed, due to significant
achievements leading to increased orders and clientele, Hans Brumann Inc. grew
and expanded with its second outlet at the Lobby Level of Shangri-La Hotel
Makati on August 1993.
In 1998, still following trends and market
demand, we found ourselves going into the export business doing jewelry for
Switzerland and Hongkong.
In October 1999, HBI moved into new
projects and ventures. Together with another Filipino based jeweler, HBI had
joined forces with Jewelers Consortium of the Philippines in New York and
started its exportation to the USA. Exhibitions locally and abroad that
showcased the best hand crafted and designed pieces were featured, thus the
realization that there was a demand for Philippine hand made quality jewelry.
In fact, with the boom of shopping malls
in the Philippines, we have now opened two more new outlets: HEMM Hans Brumann
located in Rockwell Center, Makati in November 2001 and HEMM Hans Brumann
located at The Podium, Pasig City in November 2002.
Today, Hans Brumann Inc. is still
continuing its services and making each HBI jewelry owner proud to wear its
products.
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