Sampaguita Earrings

The Story:

In the Philippines, the sampaguita is also a symbol of undying love. Here is the tragic legend of our local jasmine:

Long ago there was once a princess named Lakambini who came to rule after her father died. The young princess was an inexperienced ruler, and soon her kingdom came under threat of invasion. But one day, a kind prince named Lakan Galing came to her aid. The two quickly fell in love and swore their undying love to each other on a hill by the sea. “Sumpa kita!” – I promise you.

Before they could be wed however the prince left for sea to fight the kingdom’s enemies. He never returned. Lakambini eventually died of a broken heart, and she was buried on the hill where they pledged their love. Soon after a flower grew over her grave. It came to be called the “sampaguita”, in memory of the lovers’ promise to each other.

For these earrings I really wanted to capture the shape of our national flower. While bead weaving is a versatile technique, I felt it wouldn’t quite suit what I had in mind. And so I learned French beading. Since it uses wire instead of thread, I could achieve more rigid structures that would shape the petals.