ARAO is a fine jewelry brand dedicated to creating modern classics. The brand reimagines South Sea pearls into understated yet chic pieces that transcend the common idea of “your grandmother’s pearls.”
Designs are envisioned to highlight the natural beauty of the golden South Sea Pearl. They also draw from various aspects of contemporary lifestyles—travel, wellness, art, beauty, design. Arao pieces are definitely not your grandmother’s pearls, but they could very well be future heirloom classics.
Sustainability is at the core of Arao. The brand creates jewelry that also shines light on the planet and people in communities. Pearls are ethically sourced from a sustainable pearl farm in Palawan, Philippines. They are committed to a no-waste mantra, working only with organic materials. Packaging has been modified to reduce excessive waste. Boxes are made using only upcycled or recyclable materials and sent out with minimal to zero tissues or plastics.
The Arao team commits a portion of sales to supporting The Philippines Foundation (TPF). This non-profit organization endeavors to educate mothers and children on ways to leave a positive impact on the planet. TPF devotes much of its efforts to the restoration of coral reefs and mangroves. Since its launch in 2020, ARAO has been supporting this cause.
New home in a thriving city of majestic harbors inspired her to pursue her love of jewelry design
Arao was founded by marketing professional Mirabel Rosar. After having lived in Switzerland and Australia, the Philippine-born young mother relocated to Hong Kong with her family. A new home in a thriving city of majestic harbors inspired her to finally pursue her love of jewelry design.
Mirabel was immediately inclined to highlight the superb quality, impeccable beauty, and unrivaled elegance of golden South Sea Pearls from the Philippines. Their distinct luster, hues, and shapes became take-off points for Mirabel’s collections.
The female-led brand connects inspiring women across industries through a blog feature called Women of Pearls. It tells enlightening stories about authenticity, finding balance, purpose, and shining one’s light.
Each story is meant to be unique; at its core is a shared spirit for celebrating perfect imperfections and women uplifting other women—the main values of Arao.
The Women of Pearls inspired the newest collection from Arao, Paradox. Narratives from the founder’s own journey led to a collection of modern classics celebrating the many phases and seasons in life.
“I love the outdoors,” says Mirabel. “I surf with my husband and I also hike. Love for water and the earth explains why my commitment towards sustainability runs deep. From corporate life to parenthood, I understand the role of jewelry in the contemporary context.”
Mirabel also knows that the most precious pieces of jewelry are those that are actually worn, not locked up in vaults. Her unique take on everyday luxury emphasizes her belief: “We can choose to be grateful each day for everyday luxuries—a comfortable bed, the warmth of sunshine in the morning, fresh air, and of course, a pair of pearl earrings.”
Arao’s Spring Summer 2021 collection of South Sea Pearls is a celebration of contrasts. It highlights universal polarities. It embraces the human experience of a paradox.
It unites ocean and earth. Natural and organically harvested South Sea pearls from the ocean meet symmetric, polished precious metals and gems from the earth.
Raw and Polished: Borne out of the depths of the ocean, the pearl is made rare and priceless with its natural variations or imperfections. The first paradox combines these imperfectly perfect gems with fine stones—diamonds, emeralds, citrine.
Forged and Borne: Paradox 2 explores the contrast of fire and water. Pearls are combined with gold, creating a play of proportion and symmetry. Some seasons are cold, others warm. There are moments filled with silence, and others with sound.
Movement and Stillness: Some days we stay still, and on others, we move. Paradox 3 combines stunning champagne baroque pearls with dancing diamonds. It captures the natural luster of pearls made brighter by the sparkle of this gem. This piece also reflects Arao’s distinct design approach, where even formal pieces maybe easily work with a casual ensemble.
Arao is available online via www.thearaolife.com. For more information, email [email protected] or contact tel. no. +852 9541-1311.
