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Metro Exclusive: Bohème SG Owner and Designer Veronique Manchharam Talks Affordable Luxury and Sustainable Jewelry

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<p>From its boutiques in Singapore, India, Thailand, France, Saudi Arabia, and Russia, <strong>Bohème SG</strong> has found its way to Manila, Philippines. <strong>Comme Çi</strong>, in collaboration with longtime client turned friend of the designer, Shauna Jay Popple, came together to host a 3-day trunk show to showcase the brand house’s unique jewelry pieces. </p><div><br/></div><p>For the special occasion, French jewelry designer and Bohème SG owner,<strong> Veronique Manchharam</strong>, personally travelled to the Philippines from her home base, Singapore, to be at the exclusive shopping event.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1747634179242WhatsApp Image 2024-12-22 at 11.49.37 (1).jpeg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo Courtesy of Bohéme SG</span></span></span></div><p>Vero is known for her contemporary, demi-fine jewelry inspired by her travels around the world. Every collection tells the story of her journey to each country and how she honors its heritage and culture through her designs. The brand describes itself as responsible jewelry to celebrate destinations and culture, and has gold-plated rings, necklaces, bracelets, and accessories in its many collections. They also have a sustainable ethos, using recycled brass and natural gems, and other materials that are ethically sourced. They also actively contribute to charitable organizations globally that support conservation. </p><div><br/></div><p>One of the most notable people who has worn a Bohème SG piece on the global stage, whose picture is proudly displayed at the pop-up, is Sharon Stone. The actress and film producer wore the amethyst-adorned Orchidea earrings as she accepted the Global Citizen Of The Year Award from the UN Correspondents Association.</p><div><br/></div><p>The limited time showcase featured different collections from the jewelry house—from their best sellers to their latest collection, DUNE Spring/Summer 2025, inspired by her travels in Dubai and Saudi Arabia. Special guests also dropped by to take part in the Bohème SG experience, shop their favorite pieces, and meet Vero. Among the guests were Marilu Batchelor, Aziza Mondoñedo-Mouyal, Mark Wilson, Nicole Whisenhunt, Issa Litton, Anne Arcenas-Gonzalez, Stephanie Ong-del Rosario, Sara Riviello-Herrera, Marilu Batchelor, and Esperanza Garcia.</p><div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJn9Lapzdjl/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A546716.8%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="857" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>In an exclusive with <strong>Metro</strong>, Vero sits down with us and shares how her now jewelry house started out a hobby, why her brand has a strong sustainable stance, and if she’s thinking about a Philippine-inspired collection.</p><div><br/></div><p><strong>Metro.Style</strong>: How did you start Bohème SG?</p><p><strong>Veronique Manchharam</strong>: “When I was trying on all the earrings or going to a wedding, I could not wear them because they were way too heavy. I had experience with stones, and I used to live in Thailand, but then I decided to make the earrings [myself], huge statement earrings. So I started like that. It was really more of a hobby, and then I opened a small shop.” </p><div><br/></div><p><strong>MS</strong>: <strong></strong>When did you decide to expand it to an actual business?</p><p><strong>VM</strong>: During COVID, I sold so many pairs of earrings because there was a confinement in Singapore, very, very strict, and the ladies were only doing their video calls. All of them would buy 10 pairs in one go. They gave me the confidence to approach an agent. Now, I&#x27;m sold in 40 countries, and every collection is based on a story.</p><div><br/></div><p><strong>MS</strong>: How would you describe those who wear Bohème SG?</p><p><strong>VM</strong>: Every age and every race [who] are quite bold, independent, free-spirited ladies who are not scared to show their personality. </p><div><br/></div><p><strong>MS</strong>: What are the pieces that are popular with your clientele?</p><p><strong>VM</strong>: As I have developed the business, people ask for matching sets, right? So I have the necklace, then I have the bangle. I really started with the earrings, but after two years, I started putting other elements in, and now it&#x27;s quite a variety. I’ve actually started doing more bespoke, individual pieces, special orders as well.</p><div><strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1747634136078DSC02255.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo Courtesy of Bohéme SG</span></span></span></strong></div><p><strong>MS</strong>: What made you want to choose jewelry as your art form?</p><p><strong>VM</strong>: I did fashion for fun [before]. I started making my clothes, my kids’ clothes, things like that. I also did bags. [But] jewelry was the one that inspired me the most. I feel like with jewelry, you can only express yourself. You can change your stone, the mood, very easy to carry, and you can complete a look like a dress with just earrings.</p><div><br/></div><p><strong>MS</strong>: Can you give us a little glimpse of your ethically sourced production?</p><p><strong>VM</strong>: So we use recycled brass. You know, brass, it&#x27;s a never-ending recycled material, and we have it plated with 18 karat gold. The stones are also ethically sourced. Most of them come directly from India. My workshop is in Jaipur, which is like the center of stone cutting in the world for hundreds of years.</p><div><br/></div><p><strong>MS</strong>: What made you want to create luxury pieces that are a little more accessible and ethical? </p><p><strong>VM</strong>: Because maybe I have three children, and I&#x27;m already a grandmother, so I&#x27;m thinking that we should leave the world a better place if we can. We also do fundraising for children’s education in Bali, in Africa. Fashion is quite superficial, but I try to access that… to have a kind of a purpose out of it. Like, I think, my packaging is maybe not as shiny, but it&#x27;s all made from recycled paper, small details like that. I think it&#x27;s important to put sustainability before [making it] shiny. I [try to] incorporate both.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1747634109561MaasaiMaraBB3.jpeg" class="fr-fic fr-dib fr-rounded"/><span class="fr-inner">Photo Courtesy of Bohéme SG</span></span></span></div><p><strong>MS</strong>: Do you have many Filipinos within your clientele?</p><p><strong>VM</strong>: In Singapore, yes! I have many Filipino clients, so I [thought] it would work! I think they like the gold pieces. I&#x27;m really lucky, because I have a very broad spectrum of clients. But this is my first pop-up here and it’s the first time I’m selling in the Philippines. </p><div><strong><br/></strong></div><p><strong>MS</strong>: Is a Philippines-inspired Bohème SG collection a possibility down the line?</p><p><strong>VM</strong>: I think we will see! And maybe we can carry on the collaboration. It&#x27;s just like the first approach: meeting people, see what they enjoy. [But] definitely, that will be a collection that will be exciting. It will be all the beautiful, topical, yes, yes, because it has always been very popular in my line, but I could make it for the chemistry.”</p>

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Metro Exclusive: Why This French Designer’s Jewelry Brand Is A Hit With Women Worldwide

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Metro Exclusive: Why This French Designer’s Jewelry Brand Is A Hit With Women Worldwide

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Published May 19, 2025 03:30 PM PHT

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