Invest in your strengths.
This advice rings true in business ventures, and it is what Tessera Jewelry has done for years in the cutthroat jewelry industry.
The brand chooses to stay true to its core: customizing jewelry pieces.
And it has come a long way—evolving from the owners’ artistic hobby to a home-based enterprise, and now into the thriving business it is today.
Read: Celeste Cortesi reveals jewelry gifts from BF Jonathan Sterling
HOW TESSERA JEWELRY BEGAN
It was established in 2011.
“Fourteen, fifteen years ago, we were doing customized pieces. So if you're familiar with mga ID necklaces, monograms, the initials, all those accessories. It was a fad before,” Pat Fider, the company's co-founder and sales director, tells PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal).
It's name was derived from a Greek word, which means to customize or to personalize.
Eventually, more and more clients looked for jewelry pieces studded with diamonds, so the business specialized on diamonds.
Pat recalls the humble beginnings of the business founded by her husband Carl Fider.
“We were just at home doing things. Everything is just at home. So even the packaging, even the answering of inquiries and of clients and all that, it's all at home.”
Before that, the couple had individual jobs.
Pat continues: “I was in corporate world before. I used to work in an international bank.
“And then my husband, he had businesses left and right before."
Carl’s hobby was designing jewelry.
“He loves to draw. He loves designing jewelry pieces.
“So back then, when our products were customized, he can really customize, design for you based on your preference. Say, your initials, lettering of a jewel.
“Me naman, I like doing sales. I like talking to people, networking, and also, at the same time, I also like jewelry. I love diamonds.”
What began as a hobby soon grew into a steady hustle.
Pat recounts, “It was just a sideline business. Until, finally, we decided to focus and make it into, like, a bigger one.”
HOW TESSERA BECAME A HOUSEHOLD NAME
The big break happened in 2018, the year Catriona Gray approached them to design a couple of customized jewelry pieces that she would wear for competitions locally and internationally.
And the rest, as they say, was history.
“There was a turnaround when we had Catriona Gray’s ear cuff,” Pat tells PEP.
“That was a collaboration of Catriona and Tessera. The jewelry pieces drew so much attention in the pageant scene.
“And then when it became so popular, parang everyone knew about Tessera. So, I think that was a turning point for Tessera.”
Catriona’s iconic jewelry emblems were the “Three Stars and The Sun" ear cuff, which she wore at the Binibining Pilipinas 2018 pageant, the "Alab at Dangal" ear cuff and the “Pearl of the Orient" drop earrings she wore at the Miss Universe grand coronation.
“I think it was during Catriona's time when it had a major breakthrough. Because that's the time when people knew about Tessera,” said Pat.
“And then eventually, yun. We met clients, word of mouth, and we were also strong in social media. And yeah, and then now, we have five branches.”
SECRET TO SUCCESS
Tessera has two branches in Rockwell, one in Opus Mall, and one in Podium.
The fifth one is in Molito Center in Alabang, Muntinlupa, where Celeste Cortesi, also a beauty queen, was launched as the latest endorser last March 6, 2026.
When asked about the business’s secret to success, Pat answers: “Honestly, just focus on your strengths. There's going to be a lot of competition in the industry.
“I don't think there's an industry that doesn't have any competition. But as long as you focus on your strengths and do what you do every day, forget about your competition, you forget about the noise, and just keep doing what you're doing.”
Pat also notes that while competition is fierce, the market is big enough for all players to thrive.
“To me kasi, parang, in the jewelry industry or in the diamond industry, we're all friends.
“If I do well, it's also beneficial to other brands. So I don't wanna have like, kaaway or like, rift with other jewelers.
“Basta malaki naman yung market.”
Additionaly, Pat says that they really take pride in the quality of their products.
“If we say we want to do natural diamonds, natural diamonds only. And on the side, we would do a little design, different designs, like some gold, some colored stones, and stuff like that. But everything is natural gemstones.”
With nearly 15 years in the business, Pat believes that they have established a solid reputation.
“Because it's been in the market for so long, I feel people already trusted the brand. They like to be associated to the brand. They like to be known that they are a client of the brand, because the brand itself is good for them.
“It gives them happiness. It is part of their milestones.”
Despite the hurdles the company has faced along the way, one should keep pushing forward.
So Pat's advice to fellow entrepreneurs: “To me, it's really a test of resiliency. So it's really up to you how you take it, if you'll give up or you'll keep going.
“But to me, whatever, in any business or in any happening in life, you really have to keep moving. So you can't quit, di ba?
"I honestly think that it's given to you because you can do it. So yeah, you have to be resilient. You have to not stop until you really reach for whatever your dreams are.”