The Crown Jewels of the Most Ancient Kingdom of Taytay Taytay

by Fernando Cruz
(Coron, Palawan, Philippines)

1. The Palawan Peacock Tiara is headpiece of pure silver created for a Cuyonon "Dang" (princess). Taking inspiration from the Palawan peacock's fully displayed tail feathers, the top is adorned by seven Baroque south sea pearls middled by one resembling a top. From the top portion, this is followed by a line-up of blue topazes, and another line up of deep green cabochon jadeites. At the lowest portion is a flower made of Baroque south sea pearls and centered by a 17mm grey. The battom is a bar of 3 white pearls on each side centered by a golden south sea pearl.

2. The Cuyonon Royal Sablay (upavita) - This is an adornment made for the male ruler of the tribe and was designed to hang on the wearer's side. Mounted on a double chain of strings of pearls, the pendant's centerpiece was made from an aragonite non-nacreous pearl and banded by pure silver resembling a cross that wraps around the main pearl. At the center of the cross band is a champagne colored south sea pearl surrounded by four golden south sea pearls. Outwardly, the gold pearls are next arranged with four emerald-cut deep red garnets. At the extreme tips of the four silver bands are four blue topazes.