MANILA, Philippines - Diamonds may be a girl?s best friend, but for someone like me, an accessories aficionado, faux diamonds and semi-precious baubles are best friends forever (BFF).

The BFF?s closest to my heart are the ?glitteriest? gems and the carat-full crystals that brighten all my outfits.

As I entered the Jul B. Dizon Jewellery exhibit, ?Facets, 30 Years of Brilliance,? recently held at The Pen Ballroom, I knew I was in heaven. All of us guests were amazed at the variety of jewelry the Dizon family can create, showcased in five astounding settings each with special thematic vignettes that radiated the beauty of their unique designs.

Since the 80s, Jul Dizon has won design competition awards here and abroad. Her passion for jewelry is so strong that she got her whole family, including her husband, Cenen Dizon, to be involved in the jewelry business.

Her vignette, entitled ?Fleurs,? took center stage and was created by Zenas Pineda. The enchanted forest with living nymphets showcased the winning designs of Jul. She designs every piece to be timeless and wearable, a keepsake to be passed on from generation to generation.

My favorite was ?Whimsical,? the display of Candy Dizon and set designer Jun Jun Ablaza. The vignette had playful gigantic teacups, teapots and birdcages, all adorned with feathers.

Candy?s jewelries are vivid in color and boundless in design. She sets no limits to the wideness of a bangle, the length of an earring or the bulkiness of a ring.

The other three Dizon sisters had equally stunning set-ups.

?Transformation? by Janina Dizon-Hoschka displayed jewelry that can be expanded and transformed from daytime to night time wear. Interior designer Mel La?O did the setting.

?Ancient and Modern? by Ginny Dizon had designs inspired from ancient Filipino culture and history. Talented Marites Magcase creatively displayed her Vinta brooches, Spanish relicario necklaces and Ati-Atihan brooches in an abstract, modern setting.

?Chinoiserie? by Lucille R. Dizon had beautiful gems of jade and rubies next to blue china ceramics and Chinese antique furniture. Interior designer Martha Uy did a wonderful showcase to enhance the dramatic jewelry of Lucille.

The fantastic turnout of the guests, including former First Lady Imelda Marcos, shows that Jul Dizon?s superbly crafted and unique jewelry will be a crowd-pleasing and drawing business for many years to come.

At Yuchengco Museum

At the Facets exhibit, I wore a necklace artwork by metal sculptor Ann Pamintuan. This exporter, who normally designs giant metal works, had a special jewelry show at the Yuchengco Museum. She told me that the necklace I bought was made of orchid roots dipped in silver. I asked if I could barter one of my accessories for one of hers, but she politely declined. Well, I guess that?s why credit cards were invented.

At the intimate affair, national artist BenCab was there to support Ann. The Yuchengco Museum is a wonderful place to absorb art and culture. On-going exhibits include ?Beyond the Currents: The Culture and Power of Sulu? and ?Brook Andrew: Eye to Eye,? an art exhibit of internationally celebrated indigenous Australian artist Brook Andrew.

The exhibit on Sulu presents the Sultanate?s culture and diplomacy with colonizers. It gives an alternative picture of Sulu and can help address the urgent need to institute social justice, lasting peace and meaning development in southern Philippines. Catch these shows at the Yuchengco Museum at the RCBC Plaza on Ayala Avenue. Visit www.yuchengcomuseum.org for upcoming exhibits.

Urban Bazaar

Staying on the topic of jewelry and shopping, the twin passions of women, I must mention the Rockwell Urban Bazaar at the Rockwell Tent, is on-going today until 8 p.m. The Urban Bazaar showcases over 80 shops, bursting with unique fashion, accessories, beauty and knick-knacks. Since most of the merchants are freelancing young entrepreneurs, their products are only available there.

One of the exciting finds is the jewelry of Rodina Chua-Velasco under her creative line, D! Luxe. Her collection is made from semi-precious gems and fine stones and is categorized as bridge jewelry. For women in the know, that means great jewelry at fantastic prices.

Raid the racks of clothes from exciting brands, especially from the holiday collection of Mich Araullo. This young, talented designer has casual dresses and standout pieces with geometric prints and bold colors.

Perfect for the rainy weather are the hippest rain boots in town, Plueys. This Brit product is available at the Urban Bazaar, Luna at Shops at Serendra and Chocolate Clothing Company in Cebu. Check out www.plueysmanila.com to see fantastic styles and to order online.

New hair color system

This rainy season is a great time to experience a revolutionary professional hair color service. Drawing inspiration from the world of cosmetics, L?Oreal Professionnel just launched Majibrown Color Match Service, a hair coloring system that brightens up the complexion and enhances the skin?s healthy glow.

The basis for a professional and personalized hair color consultation lies in the accurate diagnosis of your skin tone by your hairdresser. With the new Majibrown Color Match Service, a skin tone reader is used to help diagnose the client?s skin and recommend a perfect hair color match.

My new hair color was done at Philippe?s Salon (tel. 8303030 and 0918-8303030), Manila?s newest luxury salon located at 2295 Jannov Building 3, Pasong Tamo Ext., Makati City. Master stylist Philippe Tordjman is L?Oreal Professionnel?s premiere artistic ambassador, and together, they are helping talented stylists represent the country by competing in Asian hair shows.

Philippe is quite adventurous in his styles and he is an expert in precision haircutting and coloring. His passion for his craft is felt while he is working on your hair. The wonderful thing about his work is that it looks great when you get out of the salon and continues to be awesome weeks after. With that ability, Philippe is destined to be a girl?s BFF too!

E-mail the author at seaprincess@inquirer.com.ph.