There exists a special relationship between
an Artist and her Creations. As Ciara begins
to handcraft a new piece, without a plan or sketch in mind, she moves through gemstone, pearl, coral and crystal - trusting that her hands follow the poetic dictate of the wire. Wearing her jewels is as magical as wearing a painting. Creations are, indeed, expressions of the artist's most private self.

"I am inspired by everything I experience: galleries, travels, sinful desserts, and a great love as well! Global trends alone do not dictate my design direction but certainly influence me the way other experiences do. The visions I have are celebrations of how I experience the world. I look up to Christian Dior, the designer behind luxurious provocation. I am thrilled by Queen Elizabeth. Her severity shows us how her rich fabrics and jewels conveyed incredible wealth, power, and prestige. She definitely dressed the part," shares jewelry artist Ciara Marasigan-Serumgard, the woman behind Ciara Creates and Cristal Fantaisie by Ciara, brands known for uniquely handcrafted pieces made of Swarovski crystals, gemstones, corals, wood, and pearls embedded on wire, impacts the visual arts by blazing a new trail in the concept of Philippine visual arts. Her innovation in calling her works Functional Art Pieces asserts the idea that jewelry pieces are not only accessories but actually works of art that may well be counted among painting and sculpture or other forms commonly held to be falling under the category of visual arts. It is a relatively new path she is charting but one that shows forth willpower and resolve behind creations that are at once captivating and useful. By introducing her functional art pieces, Ciara offers her market a pleasant alternative to personal ornamentation. Her creations provide a fresh option to looking at jewelry-making and wearing, which put emphasis on quality and intricacy of design. Her offering of beauty uplifts the spirit and delights the soul. Each piece created is one of a kind, giving the wearer a heightened sense of self and value for self knowing that the jewelry she wears is unique, just as every human being is unique.

Wanting to develop the appreciation of Filipinos towards her concept of functional art, she arranged for her creations to be showcased for an entire month at the prestigious Ayala Museum. "Seeing this through every step of the way is my personal tribute to Filipina Artistry. Indeed, this is one of the most meaningful things I have done in my life" shares Ciara. This gallery, entitled "Cristal Fantaisie : A Tribute to Functional Art", launched her gold and silver collection, Cristal Fantaisie by Ciara. The Persephone collection of Cristal Fantaisie by Ciara is now carried by the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, one of the largest museums in the Wester world devoted to Asian Art, and was launched alongside the Pioneers of Philippine Art gallery featuring Luna, Amorsolo, and Zobel.

She was invited by Swarovski to create a piece for the Crystallized Cosmos 2005 in Hong Kong, and so she handcrafted a neckpiece that was inspired by the pristine sands and shells along the golden shorelines of the Philippines, and called it "Laiya" after a beach she retreated to as a young girl. Laiya encapsulates the brilliance and richness of the tropics through the vibrant colors of Swarovski, and a variation was made especially for the Cristal Fantaisie gallery.

Later in the year, she was recognized by Mild Seven as one of the Most Sought After Creative People in the metropolis, and was named by Preview Magazine as one of the Women to Watch.

Kirk Serumgard, who the artist married last April 21, 2007, inspired her to create the Lancome "Love Affair" Holiday Collection in 2005. Each creation was named after memorable moments in Hong Kong they had their secret rendezvous. Affair at 1625 is a brooch made of indicolite Swarovski Crystals and black corals embedded on stainless steel wire, and named after the number of our hotel room. The Universe in My Heart is a pendant made of Rose Swarovski Crystals, Magenta Jade, and faceted Amethyst embedded on stainless steel wire, and named after the piece of functional art which we were admiring at an oriental art museum. To Have and To Hold is an oversized neckpiece made of ruby Swarovski Crystals and gold sea rattan embedded on stainless steel wire, and named after the night Kirk proposed over dessert at the Peninsula Hotel in Kowloon.

Her Fire Empress Collection, a testament to her love for the fiery hue of red coral, was launched alongside her Bridal Etoile series on her wedding day.

For two consecutive years, 2006-2007,Ciara has been on Philippine Tatler's Most Eligible List. She was part of The Ponds' Icons of Beauty, alongside models/spokespersons Angel Aquino, Izza Calzado, Angel Jacob, Amanda Griffin, Rissa Mananquil-Samson, Geni Psinakis, and Sarah Black). She was chosen as one the seven women in Manila (alongside Carla Sibal, Daphne Osena-Paez, Rissa Mananquil-Samson, Amina Aranaz-Alunan, Vicky Belo,and Anne Sobrepena) who epitomizes the New Versace Woman and has tied up with the Versace brand for the launch of The Versace Bright Crystal Fragrance.

The Cultural Center of the Philippines showcased her work in Palamuti : Traditions of Personal Ornamentation to underscore the continuity of the creative tradition as well as provide a point of comparison from pre-Hispanic, Hispanic, and Contemporary ornamentation, which promises to yield a wealth of insights about the Filipinos as a people.

This 2008, Ciara will unveil a most exciting Coffee Collaboration.