Hans Brumann, Swiss by birth, Filipino by choice

THE MAN

Hans Brumann, Swiss by birth, Filipino by choice, is the Philippine's leading jewelry designer.

Born into a baker's family, Hans wanted to do something different, something with passion, something that would stir his imagination. Jewelry making - combining both his creative and technical flair - seemed to match his aspirations. Defying family tradition, Hans began his apprenticeship in Zurich in 1957, followed by formal schooling at the Fachhochschule in Schwaebisch-Gmuend, Germany. His next career step was a stint in 1965 with Andrew Gima in London, during the heady days of the swinging 60s. Later he returned to Zurich to work for Paul Binder and Zurbuchen AG. In 1967, his search for inspiration and excellence led him to the Philippines to work with the most prestigious firm at that time, La Estrella del Norte. Recognizing his skills and ideas could only truly flourish in his own company, he formed Hans Brumann, Inc. in 1976. Since Paying tribute to other art forms, Hans initiated collaborative exhibitions with other celebrated artists in the Philippines - sculptors and painters - fusing jewelry, wood, glass, and other elements. Then his pieces have been synonymous with style and his collections highly sought after. His work is distinctive - a strong minimalist approach, never ornate or overdone - a reflection of his impeccable style. "Jewelry is not a fashion fad. Pieces should be created to last a lifetime if possible" according to Hans. These collaborations keep alive what I think is the most important element in the making of jewelry - the quest for new ideas"

THE COMPANY

Founded in 1978, Hans Brumann Inc. (HBI) started as a small jewelry shop in Makati that catered to Manila's elite and foreign expatriates. It was an exclusive shop that dealt more on made-to-order items designed by Mr. Hans Brumann, rather than retail purchases. All jewelry made were timeless masterpieces with contemporary designs and exceptional craftsmanship set in platinum, 18k or 14k yellow, gold, white gold or both. Initial concentration and specialty were in pieces made with South Sea Pearls, Mother of Pearl and platinum. As time passed, due to significant achievements leading to increased orders and clientele, Hans Brumann Inc. grew and expanded with its second outlet at the Lobby Level of Shangri-La Hotel Makati on August 1993.

In October 1999, HBI moved into new projects and ventures. Together with another Filipino based jeweler, HBI had joined forces with Jewelers Consortium of the Philippines in New York and started its exportation to the USA. Exhibitions locally and abroad that showcased the best hand crafted and designed pieces were featured, thus the realization that there was a demand for Philippine hand made quality jewelry. In fact, with the boom of shopping malls in the Philippines, we have now opened two more new outlets: HEMM Hans Brumann located in Rockwell Center, Makati in November 2001 and HEMM Hans Brumann located at The Podium, Pasig City in November 2002.

Today, Hans Brumann Inc. is still continuing its services and making each HBI jewelry owner proud to wear its products.