Tutubi Hoop Earrings

A piece from the Perlas collection - handcrafted mother of pearl designs celebrating the Philippines' 'Pearl of the Orient' heritage and the unique beauty of Mother of Pearl shells. 

Tutubi: Messengers of Change

In Filipino folklore, the tutubi (dragonfly) is more than just a delicate creature skimming across rice paddies and rivers—it's a messenger, a symbol of transformation, and a reminder that change is both beautiful and necessary.

Across the Philippine islands, children grow up chasing tutubi through fields, watching their iridescent wings catch the light as they dart between water and sky. In some regions, elders say that dragonflies carry messages from loved ones who have passed, their sudden appearance a gentle reminder that we're never truly alone. In others, the tutubi represents adaptability—spending its early life in water before taking flight, embodying the journey from one world to another.

I remember playing with tutubi as a child, mesmerised by how their wings shimmered in the sunlight. When I came across these earrings, I couldn't resist—they brought me straight back to those carefree afternoons in the Philippines. I only have a few pieces and I'm not sure if I'll restock, so if they speak to you, don't wait.

For the Filipino diaspora, the tutubi holds special meaning. Like the dragonfly, many of us have lived between two worlds—rooted in the waters of our heritage, yet learning to fly in new skies. We've adapted, transformed, and found our wings while never forgetting where we began.

These earrings capture the dragonfly's iridescent beauty through shimmering abalone and mother of pearl—materials that, like us, reveal different colours depending on the light. They're a reminder that transformation isn't about leaving who we are behind; it's about carrying our roots with us as we soar.

Wear your tutubi as a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and the beauty of becoming—without ever forgetting where you came from.

Product Details

❀ Handmade in Cebu, Philippines

❀ Abalone Shell and Mother of Pearl on Acrylic

❀ Hypoallergenic: Nickel-Free

❀ Stainless Steel Hoops

Important Note

The natural beauty of mother of pearl mean that each piece in this collection will exhibit unique variations. Factors such as shape, size, lustre, undertone, and colour concentration can differ from piece to piece. These distinctions are inherent to the handcrafting process and what makes your jewellery truly one-of-a-kind.