Before she was recognized as an outstanding young entrepreneur by the Philippine Movie Press Club for co-founding ARCA Bespoke, Christi Fider was known as a singer and content creator.
Now, she is building her name in the jewelry industry, shaping ARCA Bespoke into a brand that carries her values, her background, and her commitment to sustainable craftsmanship.
“ARCA Bespoke was launched in 2023, starting with creating the crowns for Ms. Manila,” Fider said. Her connection to jewelry started much earlier. “I’ve been in the jewelry world since I graduated college in 2017, but honestly, the exposure started even earlier. My mom is a jeweler, so it’s always been part of my life.”
Her shift toward building a brand began when she reconsidered her work with natural diamonds. “I first worked with natural diamonds alongside my two older brothers, but over time I realized it didn’t align with my advocacy for sustainability,” she said.
Discovering lab-grown diamonds — which she describes as more ethical and eco-friendly — led her to create something of her own. “That passion eventually became ARCA Bespoke.”
The name also came naturally. “ARCA is a Latin word that means ‘chest’ or ‘box,’ basically where you keep your valuables. When we came across it, it just clicked,” she said.
Fider considers sustainability the core of the brand.
“Our biggest strength is our core — creating pieces people will truly treasure without harming the environment. Even our gold is recycled, and we encourage clients to bring old pieces they don’t use anymore so we can turn them into something new. With lab-grown diamonds, they’re still real diamonds. It’s a modern innovation that lets people enjoy meaningful jewelry in a more sustainable way.”
ARCA Bespoke specializes in custom-made pieces created through a collaborative process.
“Clients usually describe what they want, and we guide them on what will work best. We create rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and even crowns,” Fider said, adding that CAD technology helps clients visualize their ideas.
For the brand’s top-selling pieces, engagement rings — also Fider’s personal favorite — remain at the top of the list.
“We get to be part of something so special. I love it when clients update us after they get a ‘yes’ and when they return for their wedding bands.”
For Fider, entrepreneurship gives her space to express purpose and craft. “An ARCA piece is more than jewelry. It’s made to be treasured for a lifetime. With lab-grown diamonds and recycled gold, you’re making a choice that’s better for the environment. These are pieces you can pass down through generations.”
ARCA Bespoke operates by appointment at its space on Annapolis Street in San Juan.
