Thursday, July 18, 2019

[EVENT] Highlights at the Singapore International Jewelry Expo 2019

The Singapore International Jewelry Expo (SIJE) is the largest jewelry event in Singapore which gathers leading jewelers from all over the world to showcase rare gemstones and stunning creations worth more than US$150 million. A total of more than 230 jewelers, designers and manufacturers from 26 countries participated in this year's showcase held over the four days from 18 July to 21 July at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre


The event was opened by Guest of Honour, Dr Lily Neo, Member of Parliament, Jalan Besar GRC. I attended the opening ceremony and would like to share some of the highlights from the show.



An interesting find according to a February 2019 report by Euromonitor International shows that the luxury jewelry scene is seeing a steady growth . Luxury fine jewellery accounts for more than 95% of the overall value sales of luxury jewellery. The demand for jewelry seems to be fueled by various factors such as the growing number of digital buyers, growing female workforce population, increasing middle class population, growing high net worth individuals population and the growth of international tourism.


An awards presentation ceremony was held for the winners of the inaugural International Jewellery Stars (IJS) Awards shortly after the opening speech was given by Mr Edward Liu and Dr Lily Neo.

Riding on the theme of 'Fantasy', the IJS Awards is held in recognition of jewellery designers and their creations and innovation across generations, markets and cultures in the region. The winning designs came to live under the direction of Michael Koh of Caratell who manufactured the winning pieces.  The winning pieces were to be auctioned during the show by HotLotz Auction House and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to charity, Mercy Relief.


We also witnessed the SIJE jewelry runway show where the beautiful models walked down the stage wearing and bringing out the beauty and life of the gemstones. The clothes wore were specially designed by Singaporean fashion designer, Alfie Leong of W.E. + studio, a past winner of the President's Design Award Singapore.

After the fabulous show, we left the sitting area for a media tour round the different exhibitors.  Thanks Gerald for showing us around.


The first exhibitor booth we went to was Simone. Love the fact that every piece of their jewellery tells a story. "BOMBSHELL" is their 2019/20 collection and it was inspired by the acclaimed documentary of the same name where Hedy Lamarr is their latest muse. Their collection features musical instruments which leds to Hedy's creation of the Wifi which is so important in our lives now.


Next, we visited Caratell, one of the unique pieces here is the Art Science Museum Inspired Ring. This ring is set with a 2.04 carat Vivid Red Pigeon's Blood with no indication of thermal treatment and Diamonds of 2.32 carat in 18K White Gold. This cost S$132,800.


Adorned with colourful gems and diamonds, Summer Lily is designed as a necklace with the bouquet of lilies blooms to its fullest as it welcomes the beginning of summer. The lily symbolizes purity and refined beauty.


At Zydo Italy, we looked at some beautiful Green Emeralds from Colombia (GRS certificate) and Red Ruby.


We went back to Ivy Masterpiece and our attention was focused on the massive 27 carats diamond  ring that is worth S$3 million! It's so big I can't imagine putting in on my small fingers. 


The last exhibitor we stopped at was at Mahika. Mahika means Mother Earth in sunscript. They believe that each and every one of their customers is unique and so should their jewellery. Thus, a lot of their jewellery are exquisitely designed and personalized. They will first understand what their clients need before doing up the 2D and 3D sketch. A wax model will then be created for client to try on to get the right fit and feel. Once all is confirmed, they will produce the final jewellery piece in gold, diamonds and gems.


A single stud earring that can be paired with different "jackets" to create a different look and feel for different occasion. Same goes for their rings, one ring comes with 3 different ways of wearing it.


 Mahika also partnered with Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore for a special initiatives. All their beneficiaries have cerebral palsy which is a physical disability that affects movement and posture. Mahika will take the art piece of them and come out with the mould before crafted them into fantastic jewelry. This meaningful initiatives encourages them to pursue their personal development and all proceeds from the sales of these pieces are channeled back to their beneficiaries.


After visiting this exhibition, I found a deeper meaning to the jewelry. Beside wearing them to glamour up for a special occasion, most of them also have an interesting story behind them. Was definitely an eye opening and dazzling show.

See you next year, SIJE 23 - 26 July 2020

www.sije.com.sg | www.facebook.com/SIJE.page

XOXO

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