Faico and Knoi Esmane: The Artists Behind Hoseki Art Jewelry

Sought after for its intricate details and innovative design, Hoseki, one of the Philippines’ premier jewellery salons continues to be a strong force in the industry as it ushers in its 25^th year.

Founded by one of the stalwarts of Philippine jewelry design Faico, who placed the Philippines in the international jewellery map when he was chosen as one of the 17 Best Designers in the World by Paspaley Group together with Stephen Webster and David Yuman. He had numerous exhibitions of his jewelry design locally and internationally. Although an Architect by profession, Faico has gained the reputation as a jewelers’ jeweler and artist par excellence in the areas of sculpture and painting.

Faico is joined by the internationally awarded jewelry designer Knoi Esmane who has won 13 times in international design competitions including International South Sea Pearl Jewelry Design Competition which is considered the “Oscars” in South Sea Pearl design competitions and the ASEAN Jewelry Design Competition sponsored by the Intellectual Property Office Philippines. Knoi Esmane has attended various international jewellery workshops in Italy and Thailand. He is also a certified Pearl Specialist from the Cultured Pearl Association of America.

Hoseki pieces are a hundred percent designed and manufactured in the Philippines. All jewellery pieces are handmade and pass through superlative standards that can last for several hundred hours per piece. A firm believer in the talent and skill of Filipino artisans, the design house has a penchant for integrating indigenous materials in its fine jewellery collection. These eco-friendly indigenous materials are sourced locally and sustainable.

Every piece of Hoseki is one-of-a-kind and is a result of the tedious process of brainstorming that starts with a unique concept. The design DNA of Faico and Knoi Esmane are based from their travels and various precious materials they get their hands into.

Only few will be manufactured from the hundreds of sketches they produce and those selected will form a part of a collection. Two major exhibitions to launch special collections are conducted every year and mini soirees are constantly done as part of the royal treatment for collectors and long time patrons of Hoseki.

Several collaborations with notable Filipino artists were forged in the past like Ramon Orlina,Dominic Rubio and Joe Datuin to name a few. These collaborations resulted in the elevation of jewellery as wearable art pieces. Oftentimes sculptural, like the oeuvres of the artist they are collaborating with, this union of art has produced iconic pieces that are sought after by art connoisseurs like miniature Ramon Orlina sculpture turned into statement pendants.

From its conception, Hoseki has always associated itself with the arts.