“Alahera” means Female Jeweller.
The name “Alahera” has origins in various languages as diverse as the cultures that love jewellery.
In the Philippines “alahera” is the naturalised word from the Spanish “alajera”. It refers to a female jeweller, someone who makes or sells jewellery for a living. In Sinhalese, “lehera” could be interpreted as “messenger” evoking themes of communication and conveying deeper meanings.
As a brand name it represents both craftsmanship and the transmission of meaning through the art of jewellery.
Amanda Gomez, the founder of Alahera, is a gemmologist with a background shaped by living across Asia, the Americas, and Europe. Her nomadic upbringing instilled a deep appreciation for eclectic cultures and aesthetics, which is reflected in Alahera’s unique designs.
A passionate collector and maker, Amanda’s philosophy goes beyond conventional gemstones, recognizing that not all “gems” are shiny rocks. She draws inspiration from natural materials, meaningful symbols and personal stories, crafting pieces that tell a narrative.
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
These guidelines are the foundation for decisions about the form, functions and aesthetic of Alahera’s pieces. They are used to maintain consistency and coherence while using diverse materials and exploring varying themes.
Curves over corners
Warm over cold
Intent over accident
Voluptuous over spartan
Precious is personal
Never disposable
Retain, remodel, reincarnate
Communicate joy in craft