What makes a great piece of jewellery? This jewellery designer tells you

Dressy, feminine, relaxed, effortless and girl-next-door.

I believe every piece of jewellery tells a story. My everyday jewellery are pieces that are either symbolic or marks a milestone in my life. One of the rings I wear everyday was a gift from my mom before I joined Poh Heng. I remembered how we walked into the Poh Heng a week before my interview and I was just thinking to myself how it would be a dream to work for this company. And that dream came true! This ring became a constant reminder of how I first started out and it inspires me to always keep that passion burning.

Currently I am obsessed with layering dainty gold jewellery. It creates an effortless and subtle look that compliments any outfit. I create contrast by wearing different thickness of chains, and I also like to add a pop of colour with pearls or gemstones.

It is difficult to choose a favourite as it changes from time to time, but one of them is definitely from the Poh Heng Legacy collection. It is my debut collection and being able to wear what I have designed makes it all the more special. I often find myself gravitating towards it when choosing jewellery for special occasions.

Poh Heng Legacy Floral Earrings, S$1500

I place importance in buying timeless jewellery. I believe good jewellery should have lasting durability and beauty that stand the test of time. One of my best purchases was a simple diamond hoop earring. It is easy to match, versatile and can be worn on any occasion. It is a must-have in everyone’s jewellery collection!

Diamond Hoop Earrings, S$2100

With every new collection I design at Poh Heng, I cannot help myself but splurge. My current biggest purchase would be on the Poh Heng Legacy collection because I could not decide on which designs I liked better, the flower motif or the square tile, so I bought both!

Poh Heng Legacy Tile Earrings, S$1650

On the weekends, I would usually go for a casual and laid-back look. I likely to be in a pair of shorts, a pretty top and a pair of gold hoops, keeping jewellery minimal for a weekend brunch with friends. My work style is more formal and dressier as I tend to layer on a lot more jewellery. I like to mix and match the jewellery for a fresh new look each time. Pairing simple dresses with necklaces are also good especially for a Monday morning, as there is no need to think about matching the tops and bottoms!

My family has a tradition of buying gold every Chinese New Year as a sign of good luck. The first gold jewellery I own was a pair of Poh Heng earrings shaped like a flower. I was only in primary school and I remembered wearing it daily. I would always look forward to the next year where I get to pick a different design! While I do not wear it as often now as I prefer bigger earrings, I still keep them as a treasured memento that I will pass it down to my future daughter.

I believe watches and jewellery represents one’s unique personal statement and is a reflection of who they are. While wardrobe changes along with fashion trends, personal statements are worn for life. There is an emotional value to it that makes it a symbolic possession. Heirloom jewellery, in particular, is symbolic of love and family. My mother gave me a gold bangle which was part of her Si Dian Jin that her mother gave her. I cherish it very much as it ties me to my grandmother who has already passed on.

It’s natural that most Asians think of jewellery as good investments due to its high intrinsic value, but I see it as an investment in fashion as well. Vintage jewellery for example, is making a fashion comeback. My grandmother’s old jewellery is now one of my most treasured pieces. Instead of selling or exchanging for more modern designs, I find that these vintage pieces have more value when they are worn. Furthermore, it is hard to find designs as such anymore as they stopped producing it, in a way you can say it is limited edition!

As precious metals are used in the production, any excess or jewellery items that are phased out are melted down to produce other pieces so there are minimal waste. Internally, we have always practiced minimising and reusing packaging when packing jewellery for transportation to our stores. We also moved away from giving out water bottles at stores to reduce plastic waste.

When it comes to higher priced jewellery, I think people still prefer the in-store experience where they can feel and try on the product before purchase. It is also a different experience when you have a salesperson ‘in the flesh’ serving you, providing you with a feel good factor, extra assurance and sometimes a second opinion, like shopping with a friend! On the other hand, gifts like our Poh Heng x Disney Baby jewellery which we are currently selling on Lazada and Shopee, is popular amongst customers who prefer the convenience of online purchases. Personally I still enjoy shopping in physical stores as I get to touch and feel the materials before deciding on a purchase, be it jewellery, clothes or makeup.

Explorer Minnie Pendant, S$190; Explorer Mickey Pendant, S$190

Currently I am eyeing the Poh Heng Freestyle Hearts Necklace which was launched during Valentine’s Day to add to my collection of dainty jewellery. It is a double layered necklace that can be worn together or separately. I like that it is fuss-free and is an effortless look for everyday wear. Plus I get more than one look out of it! I am also thinking of getting the matching Poh Heng Freestyle Heart Ring. My wishlist is ever-growing because one can never have enough jewellery!

Freestyle Hearts Necklace, S$1100

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