From The Straits Times    |

They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but we disagree. We say jewellery is a girl’s best friend instead. After all, why limit ourselves to one gemstone, when there are so many gorgeous pieces out there we can adorn ourselves with?

Indeed, charm necklaces, dainty chain bracelets and stacked rings are but just some of the numerous varieties of jewellery that are available on the market for women. And the price ranges can vary quite markedly too.

But don’t settle for the most affordable choice. Instead, consider fine jewellery as an investment. Why? They are more durable, exquisitely designed, and carry a shine that cheaper jewellery simply lacks.

Some pieces also sport glowing gems such as rubies, sapphires and emeralds, which make the piece stand out among the crowd.

In light of the upcoming Mother’s Day, make the day extra special and treat mother dearest to a beautiful piece from one of the fine, luxury jewellery brands below. These creations are made with the highest craftsmanship and quality, and will also make a great heirloom piece that hopefully, will be inherited by you in the future.

Read on to find out what these brands are (BTW, Song Hye-kyo is a fan of one of them) and watch the video to find out our favourite pieces from them.

 

1. Flower Diamond

Photo: Instagram/flower.diamond

Founded by local jewellery designer and philanthropist Belinda Chua in 1996, Flower Diamond is a homegrown luxury jeweller that has garnered an impressive list of fans — from Malaysian and Bruneian royalties and Hollywood celebs such as Mariah Carey and Hilary Swank to local social elites including Belinda’s own daughter Sabrina Ho (Read: ICON Ball 2019’s best dressed list).

Whether you’re choosing between an understated, elegant band or a statement piece with diamonds and precious stones of rubies, sapphires and emeralds that glisten in the sun, each creation by Flower Diamond is a modern yet timeless design made with quality craftsmanship.

Flower Diamond boutique is located at #03-02 Ngee Ann City.

 

2. Yuli Inc. Fine Jewellery

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Custom made 4.96ct marquise pink spinel set with 18k white gold and rose cut diamonds.

A post shared by Yuli Inc. Fine Jewellery (@yulijewellery) on

Photo: Instagram/yulijewellery

At the core of local GIA gemologist and jewellery designer Jessie Foo Yuli’s eponymous label lies a deep devotion to use beautifully crafted jewellery as a means to convey meaningful moments in life. That is why each design from Yuli Inc. Fine Jewellery is original, with a story to tell. As a result, Yuli Inc. is fast becoming one of the go-to labels for people who are searching for bespoke and avant-garde pieces.

The jeweller, for example, once created a $300,000 rose-inspired diamond necklace for a client’s 50th birthday and 25th wedding anniversary — it was made with seven rose motifs to signify the family of seven. Founded in 1995, Yuli has released a major collection yearly since 2000, such as Goddess, Nature and Dreamy Star, and its vibrant pieces are decorated with diamonds and coloured gems that are colourful yet refined, assertive yet understated.

Yuli Inc. Fine Jewellery boutique is located in #01-08 Palais Renaissance.

 

3. Chaumet

Photo: Instagram/chaumetofficial

Marie-Étienne Nitot, the founder of French luxury jewellery Chaumet, used to be the royal jeweller for the French court under Napoléon Bonaparte — which is why it is not surprising that the muse of the label is Napoléon’s wife, Empress Joséphine who was noted for her style and grace.

Besides the namesake Joséphine collection that draws inspiration from the late queen and patron, Chaumet also has two other main collections: A nature-inspired Jardin (which is French for garden) and a simpler Liens (or link) collection. The French jeweller also counts celebs such as Korean actress Song Hye-kyo and Israeli actress Gal Gadot as fans.

Chaumet boutiques are located in #02-05 ION Orchard and #01-51/52 Marina Bay Sands. 

 

ALSO READ: 8 TIMELESS DESIGNER JEWELLERY PIECES THAT ARE MORE AFFORDABLE THAN YOU THINK

 

4. Choo Yilin Jewellery

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

As the Lunar New Year approaches, billions across the globe prepare for reunions with loved ones, where everyone hopes to shine in their best light. It is the most important festival for the Chinese heritage. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Our heritage is our connection to family histories and rich traditions; it is a precious gift we grow up with, and a gift we can all pass down to the next generation.
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At Choo Yilin, honouring heritage has always been at the heart of what we do, and each piece we create is a visual idiom to an important Asian story. Discover contemporary heirlooms like the Peranakan Lace Bangle exclusively at the Choo Yilin Flagship Boutique. Appointments are highly recommended. #chooyilin #TypeAJadeite #finejewellery #18ktgold #jadebangle

A post shared by Choo Yilin (@chooyilin) on

Photo: Instagram/chooyilin

If you are as much in love with the viridescent beauty of jade as we are, then Choo Yilin is the place you have to go. The local jewellery designer who started her label in 2006 specialises in jade creations, but also uses other precious materials such as gold and diamonds to create both ready-to-wear and bespoke pieces for her clients.

Her aesthetic vantage point draws inspiration from the Peranakan influences in the Joo Chiat neighbourhood where she lives, and can be seen through filigrees and other gold work incorporated in her jade pieces. Plus, each ready-to-wear jewellery reportedly takes up to 18 months to research and develop before it is made. These definitely aren’t the simple jade bangles your grandmother used to wear.

Choo Yilin Jewellery boutique is located in #02-23 Mandarin Gallery.

 

5. Simone Jewels

Photo: Instagram/simonejewels

Drawing inspiration from a multitude of sources including architecture, British royal aesthetics and Hans Christian Anderson’s The Thousand and One Nights, Simone Ng’s intricate pieces all tell a story. These annual thematic collections can take up to 18 months from start to finish and are a heady mix of colour, design and opulence.

Since the brand’s inception in 2006, its founder and designer Simone has been courting fans with her distinctive designs that capture the brand’s motto of “Yesterday’s Tale. Today’s Creation. Tomorrow’s Inspiration”. Her 2019 collection, Bombshell, taps on the late Austrian actress and inventor Hedy Lamarr, who also created the predecessor of today’s Bluetooth and WiFi technology, and will be launching in July.

Viewing of Simone Jewels collections is by appointment only which you can book via its website. 

 

6. Graff

Photo: Instagram/graff

If you can’t get enough of diamonds and precious stones, British jewellery label Graff would be your best bet. Founded by Laurence Graff in 1960, the brand has quickly become a go-to for people looking for outrageous yet well-crafted gem designs (pink diamonds anyone?).

The brand had also recently revealed the (reportedly) world’s largest square emerald cut diamond at 302.37 carats with the highest clarity grade of D — definitely a statement-making and conversation-starting piece. Also, it’s bound to become a (highly guarded) heirloom.

Graff boutique is located in #02-17 ION Orchard.

 

7. Bulgari

Photo: Instagram/bulgariofficial

Spotted on the likes of Charlize Theron, Lady Gaga and the late Elizabeth Taylor, Bulgari is known for its elegant and unique designs, and most notably, its Serpenti collection. This sophisticated range is inspired by the mesmerising mystic of a snake, so pieces usually sport a coiling snake paved with diamonds and gems.

They are made into bracelets or necklaces and usually resemble the snake wrapping around the wrist or neck. This Italian label is also known for its iconic B.zero1 collection, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Recognised for its peculiar yet iconic spirals, the collection draws inspiration from the famed Colosseum. Local socialite Kim Lim is also a fan of the label — she wore a $1 million dollar Serpenti necklace gifted by her father, billionaire Peter Lim, to this year’s ICON Ball.

Bulgari boutiques are located in places including #01-03 ION Orchard, #B1-36/37, #B2-34/24 Marina Bay Sands and #02-106 Resort World Sentosa. 

 

ALSO READ: CLASSIC JEWELLERY PIECES EVERY WOMAN SHOULD OWN