Jewellery’s great for adding subtle shine or instant polish to the simplest of outfits. And they don’t have to be hard on your bank account either. These online shops, some based in Singapore, offer some of the most stylish jewellery designs that won’t burn a hole in your wallet.
At first mention of the brand, you’d probably think of Polène’s iconic bags like the Numero Dix or the Numero Un Nano. But did you know that the brand recently launched its very own jewellery line as well?
Made with premium materials, the new collection sees the same high-quality artisanal craftsmanship that you can expect from its bags. As for its designs, you can expect to find two distinctive collections — Éole and Eroz — with each piece taking on organic forms and a style that is both distinctive and refined.
Drawing inspiration from the unpredictable, undulating movements of the wind, the Éole collection will see swirling metal ribbons and sculptural spirals reflected on pieces like its necklaces, bracelets and rings.
However, if you prefer something with more texture, check out the Eroz collection that’s sculpted to replicate rock textures — think: a rougher finish that’s balanced by the finesse of the chains, hollowed pendants or hoop earrings.
Price range: From $150 for Éole Stud Earrings to $320 for Eroz Necklace.
Looking for meaningful jewellery pieces that you can customise? Enter homegrown label SOAMI. Founded by Singaporean designer, Mindy Chow, the brand, pronounced ‘sow me’, is a word mash for, ‘So Am I’. here, you’ll find an extensive range of handcrafted jewellery that include a collection of stainless steel and 14k gold vermeil jewellery as well as a bridal and bespoke fine jewellery line, of which you can engrave names or messages, that’s perfect for gifting.
The brand also has just opened its first standalone store located at Raffles City Shopping Centre too, so you can head on over to check out the full range and try out these beautiful pieces in person before making your purchase.
Price range: From $89 for a MONET Oval Signet Ring and a TALI Bar Necklace.
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All Bliing’s earring studs and drops are interchangeable and sold separately. So you hook drops on studs to create a fresh pair of earrings. Add as many drops as you like or keep it simple with just a stud – it’s your choice.
Most of the “shape-shifting” earrings designed by Singaporean duo Alex Cheng and GC Lek are made in gold vermeil. That’s 18K gold that is 2.5-3.0 microns thick layered onto sterling silver. This is about 10 times thicker than flash-plated jewellery, so it lasts longer.
Bliing also offers some 18K solid gold pieces and personalization. For example, you can get a stud you like in a different gem.
Price range: Vary depending on stones and drops. As a guide, studs start at $150 a pair, while drops start at $190 and go up to around $700.
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This Singapore company started back in the 1800s, so you can trust the quality of the gems here. Now BP de Silva is headed by the fifth generation in the family, Shanya Amarasuriya, age 31. She studied jewellery design in New York and you’ll see the city’s influence in her new Deco Pop Collection, with coloured gems set in 18K gold.
The geometric shapes are inspired by New York’s iconic architecture, like the Empire State Building. Shanya feels Art Deco’s geometric designs suit today’s empowered women.
If you prefer intricate designs, the Lovedrops Collection has filigree metalwork and diamonds. It’s perfect for an anniversary because it captures emotion. As Shanya says. “I wore my grandmother’s earrings on my wedding day. Every time I wear them, I feel she’s with me. Jewellery does become a part of you.”
Price range: Lovedrops Dainty Diamond Necklace in 18K gold is $5,880. Lovedrops Petite Diamond Eternity Band is $2,800. Deco Pop rings average $3,200 each. Deco Pop pendant necklaces start at $2,200, depending on stone.
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If you have sensitive skin, you’ll be glad to know that homegrown brand By Invite Only’s pieces are all crafted without toxic nickel, lead or cadmium.
Started by self-taught jewellery designer Trixie Khong in 2019, you’ll find petite and classy jewellery pieces that add discreet shine, from dainty lockets to pretty necklaces and bracelets with semi-precious stones.
Apart from its online shop, you can visit any of physical outlets, including at Vivocity, 313@somerset and Ion Orchard.
Price range: From about $39 for a pair of moonstone studs to $169 for a gold vermeil necklace.
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If diamonds are your dream gemstone, you’ll be spoilt for choice at Lee Hwa. The Destinée diamond has 57 facets and is certified by the American Gem Society as Triple Ideal in cut, at least a G-colour and clarity of VS2 and above.
If you plan to upsize your diamonds, Lee Hwa’s Destinée and Forevermark diamonds come with a two-year Full Value Guarantee. You get 100% trade-in value if you upgrade within 24 months from the purchase date.
Many people don’t know Lee Hwa Jewellery also offers an affordable bespoke jewellery service. A consultation fee of S$50 gets you a meeting with a designer, your own design, and up to two revisions. It’s S$50 for each further revision.
While you’re there, take a look at the new Constell range, which features several smaller diamonds grouped together like a constellation of sparkling stars.
Price range: As a guide, a Constell pendant in 18K rose gold and diamonds is $568. Destinée Jewel in the Crown diamond earrings are $4368 – you can wear the diamond studs alone, or add the diamond “halo” to make the stud bigger and more sparkly.
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Affordable Luxe – that’s the theme here. Nephrite Jade earrings and pendants in modern shapes are super-versatile and go with everything from office wear to jeans. The jade comes from sustainable mines in Canada, where mining is strictly controlled.
The Minimalist Collection features sleek drop earrings and rings that are perfect for everyday wear. You can choose from 20 different cabochon gemstones with different meanings. A ring in pink Rose Quartz gemstone is used to attract love. Yellow Citrine gemstone is believed to attract prosperity, joy, and energy.
The rings and earrings are Gold Vermeil or White Rhodium. A rare precious metal related to Platinum, Rhodium is very hard, so it stays shiny much longer than silver. Rhodium is often only used for fine jewellery, but at MTJ you’ll find designs in both White Rhodium and Black Rhodium.
Marilyn Tan also does bespoke jewellery. She can take a piece of jade or jewellery you inherited and create a new piece you’ll love. To book an appointment, call +65 6222 4736 or visit the atelier at 59 Eng Hoon St S160059.
Price range: Minimalist rings in yellow gold or white rhodium are $224, earrings are $272. MTJ Nephrite Jade Pendant in rose gold is $198, Nephrite Jade bar earrings $320.
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MADLY is headed by ex-radio personality Maddy Barber. Because she loves coloured gems, Maddy founded her jewellery business back in 2014. It took off and in 2021 she stepped away from the microphone to focus on bespoke jewellery design.
MADLY works with coloured gems from around the world. The focus is one off and bespoke pieces – the brand has a full team of 8 award-winning designers, each with their own design styles.
When it comes to gems, they’ll show you beauties at every price point, from famous coloured gems such as sapphires, emeralds and rubies, to up-and-coming ones like spinels and tsavorite garnets.
To book an appointment, call +65 6650 1544, email create@madlygems.com or visit the atelier at 72 Seng Poh Rd, #01-63, S160072.
Price range: MADLY’s pieces start from $3,500, while the statement cocktail rings that feature on their Instagram with big gems or elaborate designs start from $8000 and can go into six digits. The beauty of bespoke jewellery is you set the budget, and you decide.
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Layered jewellery is a fashion trend that’s not going away any time soon. With the exclusive Freestyle Collection, Poh Heng has created playful yet precious pieces for everyday wear.
The Freestyle collection is based around effortlessly 18K chic gold jewellery. Some pendants, rings and bracelets come in gold, others feature rainbow-coloured gemstones or pavé-style diamonds on a dainty 18 K gold chain. You can create your own layered look and be sure no one will be wearing the same combination as you.
Price range: Poh Heng Freestyle Long Bar Necklace in Gold is $620, 22K Band ring is $230, Freestyle Candy Multi-stone necklace with rainbow-coloured gems on an 18 K gold chain, from $1400. Freestyle Candy multi-stone rings, from $630.
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Caroline and Wilson Tan use freshwater pearls, which are naturally produced in mussel shellfish. So each pearl is natural and unique.
There’s always something new on the website because the designer duo create one new design every day, with natural pearls set in Sterling Silver and 18K gold vermeil.
The designs may be modern, but the designers at Pearly Lustre still follow some tried and tested beliefs. Wilson explains, “We use silver because it attracts negative elements from your body when you wear it. And pearls have been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years, to calm the spirit and beautify skin.”
In line with their belief in sustainability, Pearly Lustre also provide pearl jewellery cleaning, replating, and will restring pearl necklaces for customers.
Price range: Earrings start at around $88. Rings range from $188 to around $1,280 depending on materials.
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Michelle Obama, Lady Gaga and Beyoncé are just some of the stylish celebrities who’ve been spotted wearing Singapore jewellery brand State Property. Striking a balance between dainty and eye-catching, their earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings are equal parts indulgent and cool.
State Property’s sleek pieces aren’t for everyone, though. The collection is curated and cool, to suit women who appreciate modern design. The pieces are made in Singapore by craftsmen who marry traditional techniques with technology such as 3D printing.
State Property also offers a bespoke design service.
Price range: Rings and earrings range from $850 to around $3,000, depending on materials.
Shop here.
Love gold chains and accessories?
You’ll find them at this New York-based label, with chic modern necklaces, earrings, and bracelets that are further elevated with the use of gemstones, engravable designs, and more.
Apart from promising that its products are carbon and water neutral as well as sustainably produced, the company works with trusted partners to make sure everything is priced fairly and produced ethically.
It ships to Singapore, too, with free international shipping via DHL for orders above US$125.
Price range: From S$33.30 for a gold-plated ear cuff to S$238.50 for a diamond pendant necklace.
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Malaysian jewellery brand is all about pretty jewellery with whimsical and often cosmic-inspired designs, including a fan-favourite tarot series.
Founder Jenn Low and her team create consciously produced pieces that stand out but are wearable enough for the everyday. They’re all crafted from sterling silver and quality recycled brass, and free of lead and nickel; each is plated with 14K-18K gold and rhodium, and e-coating to extend the lustre of the pieces.
Price range: From $40.34 for a gold-plated brass ring to $92.77 for a gold-plated brass necklace, and $644 for a solid yellow gold nameplate necklace.
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This Singapore-based label doles out quirky jewellery with an almost vintage touch. Pieces range from white and blue ceramic earrings to rose quartz hoops, butterfly-shaped glass pendants and heart-shaped lockets. But you’ll also find sophisticated designs that bring timeless style to your look.
Head to the ‘Under $20’ section for pieces you can find at a steal.
Price range: From $24.90 for gold-plated copper and cubic zirconia earrings to $59.90 for a gold-plated brass necklace with glass crystals.
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Curious Creatures bills itself as a demi-fine jewellery brand, although it also has a line of fine jewellery mostly made with 18K gold and precious stones.
The local label’s aesthetic is a mix of minimalist chic and pretty, feminine styles; browse cluster rings, contemporary necklaces, and delicate bracelets that make the perfect finishing touch to a simple outfit.
Price range: From $34.30 for a gold-plated sterling silver ring to $109 for a pearl and 18k ros gold-plated necklace.
Shop here.
(Here are “Statement Watches And Jewellery That Are Worth Investing In“)
Love Hesed is big on personalisation, with an aim to create meaningful and unique jewellery for its wearer; you can choose to have your initials, or name hand-stamped or engraved on many of its designs, and add on with your birth stone.
For the romantics, there’s a ‘Birth Flower’ collection with pendants that you can have engraved with hand-drawn blooms – choose by your birth month, the flower’s meaning or just your favourite bloom.
Price range: From $39.90 for an AAA cubic zirconia and sterling silver necklace to $79 for a birth flower bracelet.
Shop it here.
Stemming from her background – she studied Contemporary Arts at The University of Tasmania – Singapore-based jewellery designer Rina Lee’s demi-fine jewellery are minimal but come with a unique and artsy twist. You’ll also often find healing crystals incorporated into them.
Pricing-wise, the pieces of her eponymous brand are on the higher end of the spectrum in this list, but worth the buy for her simple yet striking designs and their craftmanship.
Price range: $42 for white topaz stud earrings to $285 for an amethyst and quartz bracelet.
Shop it here.
A school project-turned-business, 3125 is headed by LASALLE College of the Arts graduate Caroline Justine Goh.
She melds different materials and design elements in the most unexpected ways to create pieces with lots of character — think jadeite-meets-contemporary hardware. She also donates 10 per cent of her profits to support charities and causes benefitting the marginalised communities in Singapore.
Price range: $32 for a jadeite bracelet to $150 for a sodalite ring.
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If you favour bold statement designs with an industrial edge, get Yard Yarn on your radar. Armed with a diploma in Apparel Design and Merchandising from Temasek Polytechnic, founder Genevieve Tan started the label at the age of 26.
She uses unexpected daily hardware that is largely seen in the garment industry for her jewellery (such as tarnish-free 304 stainless steel and aluminium, suede and leather), and you don’t have to worry about them weighing you down – they’re chunky but surprisingly lightweight.
Price range: From $14 for a basic cable chain bracelet to $90 for a brass, pearl, glass and stainless steel ear cuff.
Shop here.
This article was first published in The Singapore Women’s Weekly.