The Bayani Collection was created in honor of my grandfather, the only Filipino and Asian American U.S. Navy sailor to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism during a boiler room explosion in 1915.
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Each piece is crafted from premium 18k gold PVD-plated stainless steel, making it waterproof, hypoallergenic, and resistant to tarnishing, fading, and chipping—designed to be worn every day.
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More than jewelry, the Bayani Collection celebrates courage, resilience, and the enduring power of heritage. Whether it reminds you of your own story, your family, or the people who inspire you, each piece is designed to be a meaningful symbol of strength, hope, and the legacy we carry with us every day.
Michelle Villarroel is the owner and lead designer of Rhy + Lia Designs.
She began designing jewelry in 2004, crafting personalized pieces as meaningful gifts for friends and family. With a background in advertising, web, and graphic design, what started as a hobby quickly evolved into a full-time passion and career.
Michelle has always had an eye for design—whether she's creating custom invitations, helping friends plan elaborate birthday celebrations, or dreaming up new jewelry pieces. Her love for thoughtful, well-crafted details is at the heart of everything she does.
Her dedication to the craft eventually led her to a role as an Assistant Jewelry Designer at a respected company in California. Twenty years later, she now serves as its Chief Creative Officer, bringing her creativity and experience to every collection.
When she’s not designing, Michelle is spending time with her daughters, Rhyla and Alia, her husband Mark, their dog Bentley, and their cats Oreo and Eli. As a family, they love road-tripping and exploring the outdoors—especially glamping and camping adventures that allow them to unplug and connect with nature.
Each R+L piece is thoughtfully designed by Michelle and carefully manufactured overseas to bring her vision to life.
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If you have any questions or just want to say hello send us a message below or email us at hello@rhyandlia.com
