Celestial Collection. 18k white gold linear cocktail ring set with 2.12carat diamonds—it has the effect of stacked rings.

A week after getting engaged in New York (check out my story here), one of the first events I attended back in Manila is the launch of local jewelry brand Royal Gem’s brand ambassadors. I thought it was perfect, because I’m now in search not just of wedding bands for me and my fiance, but also earrings to match my engagement ring.

Celestial Collection. 18k white gold jazz cocktail ring set with 1.39 carat diamonds.

My best friend Tina advised that, to allow the beauty of my ring to stand out, I must keep the rest of my jewelry simple yet classy. I guess she needed to remind me because she knows that, while I’m not really big on jewelry, I do like my big statement accessories that are definitely NOT made of precious stones and metals.

Celestial Collection. 18k white gold multi-stack cocktail solar ring set with 2.27 carat diamonds.

But I guess it’s time for an upgrade, and so there I was at the launch of Royal Gem’s “Women of Brilliance,” which include Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa; couture designer Patty Ang; designer and philanthropist Kaye Tinga; host, columnist, and DPWH Undersecretary Atty. Karen Jimeno; and heiress Princess Violago. With their distinct styles and personalities, they each represent Royal Gem’s new holiday collection of stunning jewelry.

Enchanted Collection. 18k white gold two finger cocktail ring set with 2.24 carat diamonds.

I found out they’re coming up with their bridal collection soon, so I guess I’ll have to wait for that, too, to see if I’ll find the perfect wedding bands there. I heard they can customize wedding rings for clients, too. In the meantime, I did window shop (and tried on a few) pieces that can go with my new bling. I particularly liked those in the Enchanted Collection and the Pristine Collection.

Newly crowned 2016 Miss International Kylie Verzosa, who bested over a hundred other women on the world stage, is the face of Royal Gem’s Enchanted Collection. This line, which mostly takes inspiration from romance and nature, combines lustrous pearls with diamonds, producing pieces that are iconic and glamorous. While I prefer not to wear them on my wedding day, the pearls in this collection are perfect for other formal occasions, to go with my ring.

Enchanted Collection. 18k white gold floral motif dual  finger ring set with 2.3 carat diamonds.

Respected lawyer, morning show host, teacher, columnist, and newly appointed DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary) Atty. Jimeno is the face of Royal Gem’s Pristine Collection, which includes pieces that are easy yet elegant, effortlessly taking its wearer from day to night. “When it comes to jewelry, I prefer those that are not too colorful because in my legal profession, it’s not appropriate to be too loud. Diamonds are always elegant, and they’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s day-time hearings or a social affair. On TV, they give you the right flourish, and for dinners and evening affairs they make any ensemble feel more elegant,” she said. And it’s in this collection that I saw the elegant pieces that my best friend told me to go for.

Ultra Collection. 18k white gold featuring cluster set with 8.71 carat diamonds in ovals and rounds.

Engagement ring aesthetic aside, I personally like the statement-making pieces in Royal Gem’s Imperial Collection and Decadent Collection, which feature stunning red rubies, majestic green emeralds, cool blue sapphires, and an array of playful gems that are fit for modern-day royalty; as well as their Ultra Collection, which includes iconic carat stones and one-of-a-kind jewelry.

Ultra Collection. 18k white gold criss-cross bangle set with 7.74 carat diamonds.

In case you’re looking for everyday pieces to pair with your wedding band or engagement ring, you can check out the Celestial Collection. This contemporary line presents pieces that are light and airy, perfect for dressing up a pair of jeans or a casual party outfit.

Royal Gem’s pieces are “curated in [such a way] that they will be appreciated and forever treasured as wearable art,” said Merrill Gaisano, the resident gemmologist of Royal Gem.

Ultra Collection. 18k white gold bridge bangle set with 8.63 carat baguette diamonds.

To see more pieces from their holiday collections, view the photo gallery below. Click the first thumbnail to enlarge the image and launch the rest of the slideshow.

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Royal Gem is found in Metro Stores in Ayala Center Cebu, Alabang Town Center, Market! Market!, Marquee Mall in Pampanga, and Metro Legazpi.