11 Singaporean bespoke jewellery brands specialising in custom designs and exquisite gemstones
Treat yourself or a loved one to custom jewels fit for the queen or king they truly are
By Her World Team -
Elizabeth Taylor once said: “Jewellery has the power to be the one little thing that makes you feel unique.” While there are many beautiful ready-to-wear options on the market, nothing beats custom-made jewellery crafted with the finest metals and fitted with mesmerising gemstones imbued with your own flair. Below, we’ve curated a list of bespoke jewellers in Singapore worth approaching for your next big purchase.
1. B.P de Silva
It’s not every day that you get to boast about jewellery designed by artisans trusted by royalty such as the Duke of Connaught and the King of Siam. But that is exactly what B.P de Silva has accomplished over the last 150 years as bespoke fine jewellers in Singapore. Be it engagement rings or family heirlooms, the brand’s specialists will take a minimum of eight weeks to perfect each piece and fit it with a gem from its extensive gallery spanning over 150,000 precious stones.
2. Simone Jewels
Simone Jewels‘ designs are rooted in culture, architecture and storytelling; all of which correlate to its brand ethos: “Yesterday’s Tale, Today’s Creation, Tomorrow’s Inspiration”. The design process starts with a private consultation, where you can express your heart’s desire, be it high jewellery, redesigned preloved jewellery or engagement and wedding jewellery. After the gems have been picked, sketches will be drawn up and upon confirmation, the atelier’s craftsmen will bring the special piece to life.
3. MADLY
Founded by ex-radio DJ Maddy Barber, MADLY has made a name for itself through the brand’s eclectic style and innovative shapes, delivering celebratory pieces to mark a graduation, a promotion or even a birth. As a member of the International Coloured Stone Association’s Ethical Accreditation programme, which ensures responsible mining and sustainable trading of every stone, you can also rest assured that whichever gemstone you opt for when putting together your custom creation, it was mined responsibly and traded sustainably.
4. State Property
Helmed by an award-winning jeweller and an industrial design specialist, State Property is a contemporary homegrown brand that fuses art and science to create structural, one-of-a-kind pieces that push boundaries. Be it taking a humble stone and splitting it up into a set or creating transformable jewellery from the ground up, nothing seems impossible for the pair.
5. H. Sena
While personal stories make for the best bespoke jewellery, finding the right jeweller to execute it is crucial. H. Sena is a third-generation family business that has continued to share its expertise and love for the craft with clients for decades. These well-honed skills and passion, combined with the design and sculpting skills of local artisans, ultimately form a masterpiece to make their customers’ wishes come true.
6. Carrie K.
Before making the transition from advertising to jewellery design, founder Carolyn Kan kept a sketch pad of jewellery doodles, which signified her deep passion for this artform. After a month-long apprenticeship with a silversmith in Florence, Italy, Kan made the career switch, and Carrie K. was born. The brand has a stable of gem cutters, setters, goldsmiths and even an in-house gemologist; so that clients may rest easy knowing their adored commissions meet the highest standards.
7. Caratell
Those who love whimsical works of art will truly appreciate the splendour of Caratell’s creations—a quick perusal of the existing haute joaillerie collections speaks for itself. Of course, this knack for playful design also translates into amusing bespoke jewellery crafted with 18k gold and exquisite gems of all hues. Caratell’s white gold is a great option for those with sensitive skin as it is made with palladium instead of nickel, a common allergy trigger.
8. Calla Lily
Founder Emily Tan has made the rounds both in fashion and gemology, working with internationally acclaimed designers such as Jimmy Choo and Marni, and graduating from the Gemological Institute of America. Her extensive knowledge definitely comes in handy when it comes to picking the right stones to fit the design and based on its origins, clarity and intensity.
9. Ministry of Gemstones
If you prefer a gemstone-focused approach to jewellery then the Ministry of Gemstones is a great jeweller to consider. Founder Saravanan Kasinathan (better known as Alex) is a former teacher who is passionate about gemstones and has been collecting them for over 25 years. He will work with clients to find the perfect stone. Alex sources from around the globe and besides more popular stones like rubies, spinels and emeralds, you’ll also find everything from gleaming moonstones to padparadschas in a spectrum of pink and orangey-pink hues. Visit Ministry of Gemstones (#05-11, Far East Plaza) to try his custom ring builder so you can pick the right setting and style that best suits your precious gemstones to create the perfect bespoke piece. The brand’s website also offers gem auctions where clients can bid for individual stones—a great option for those looking to build their personal collection.
10. Choc Gems
If there are two things most women love, it’s chocolate and jewellery. Founder Archana Patel, whose family is in the jewellery business, created Choc Gems when demand for her custom pieces grew. We love the brand’s unique designs that utilise gemstones in interesting ways, whether it’s crafting tassel earrings out of emerald beads (above) or using enamelling and coloured gemstones in pave settings to enhance the main stone. One of Choc Gems’s specialities is creating multi-way pieces that can be dressed up or down meaning your custom piece can be worn for all occasions.
11. An Order of Bling
If an Order of Bling is what you’re after, then this exquisite brand, founded by Sara Sze is just what the doctor ordered. Known for her “Writing with Diamonds” series of statement necklaces, clients who love a refined and artistic take on their jewellery will adore Sze’s designs, which draw from everything from the Bauhaus movement to lace. Whether it’s a jadeite brooches or famed Muzo emeralds set in earrings, nothing is off the table. The brand creates future heirlooms that will be treasured for generations.
This article was originally published in Harper’s Bazaar Singapore.