Going Local

Everything is made by Filipinos. “We take pride in our artisans, and they’re very good in terms of skills,” says Knoi. Hoseki has a penchant for incorporating precious stones (diamonds, topaz, sapphire, beryl, pearl, jade, etc). And precious metals (gold, silver, platinum) with local indigenous materials such as kamagong wood, nother-of-pearl, and carabao horn. According to Knoi, the use of these materials “highlights the creativity of the Filipino designers and artisans, and the abundance of materials that we have around us.”

The native materials are locally sourced, sustainable, and eco-friendly. Knoi shares : “ We are very respectful of the environment. If we ever use wood, this is wood floating in the sea. Because it has already weathered the storms and the elements, you can be rest assured these are strong materials. We don’t have to cut down trees to get kamagong. These are old, sometimes centuries-old, wood and shells that we use.”

Hoseki embraces natural imperfections. “Sometimes coloration is not perfect. There will be certain areas that are darker than the rest. But it’s okay because it gives a certain character to the piece. Our clients and patrons are aware of that and they love having a little imperfection because it only shows that it’s really handmade,” adds Knoi.