JeweLuxe Is Putting The Sparkle In Our Little Red Dot

If you are a keen connoisseur of fine jewellery and luxury timepieces, you’d know JeweLuxe is an event not to be missed. The prestigious annual watch and jewellery fair brings to our island state some of the very best the luxury world has to offer, presenting the most precious baubles and watches from both local and international brands, heritage labels and independent designers all under one roof. Which means jewellery and horology enthusiasts no longer need to travel the world to get their hands on coveted treasures—a boon, especially considering that global travel is still very much an uncertainty. Plus, the format for this year's JeweLuxe is a unique one that can only be experienced in Singapore.

All That Glitters

Themed “You Are Exceptional”, this year’s edition not only features physical pop-ups, it also has an online presence with an e-commerce market place that highlights a slew of global names from the world of fine jewellery—some whose creations have been worn by celebs such as Jennifer Aniston, Oprah Winfrey and Mila Kunis, and even the former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama. Among the internationally acclaimed brands are American fine jeweller Paolo Costagli; British luxury pearl jewellery brand Yoko London; Russian jeweller P&P Jewellery; German houses Stenzhorn and Niessing; and Italian jewellers Sicis Jewels, Marina B and Faraone Mennella (whose pieces have incidentally made on-screen debuts in hits such as The Devil Wears Prada and Sex and the City as well as TV shows such as Will & Grace and Lipstick Jungle).

With such a diverse array of brands, you’re bound to find something that speaks to you—whether you’re a discerning collector or simply a fan of exquisite craft and beauteous aesthetics. Paolo Costagli pieces, for instance, which have been spotted more than once on Obama, are perfect for the high-flying woman looking for simple yet statement-making jewellery—with the geometric shapes that are a brand signature conveying a unique boldness and elegance that can well be reflective of the wearer herself.

Creations by award-winning home-grown brand Caratell, meanwhile, will surely appeal to jewellery enthusiasts across the board. Versatile enough for everyday wear without seeming over the top, yet perfectly meeting the standards of formal wear when the occasion calls for it, all are mesmerising works of handcrafted art that can outlive style trends and are more than adequate as heirlooms to be passed from generation to generation.

Of Art And Science

On the watch front, horology lovers can look forward to splendid specimens that blend form and function. Standing alongside offerings by established brands such as Bijoumontre and Vianney Halter are those from lesser-known, but no less outstanding, names such as Swiss independent watchmaker Singer Reimagined, Russian high-end watch manufacturer Konstantin Chaykin, independent Hungarian watchmaker Aaron Becsei and clockmaker Meccaniche Orologi Milano. 

Those in the market for distinct timepieces will relish the visual feast that spans the sweet and feminine (Bijoumontre’s pastel numbers with dials featuring delicate motifs of nature) to the outright masculine (Aaron Becsei’s Dignitas Pure and Singer Imagined’s Singer Track1 watches) and everything in between (Konstantin Chaykin’s Cinema watch comes to mind, as does Ludek Seryn’s Karel Rotation). 

Watch aficionados, in particular, will want to make their way down to check out some very-limited editions—think Vianney Halter’s Anniversary and Konstantin Chaykin’s Automaton Joker, both produced in a run of only 20 worldwide. On display, too, are two unique clocks (the Libra Square R Design and Libra Kleio Clock) by Meccaniche Orologi Milano that are bound to start conversations. 

Up Close And Personal

Unlike the past three editions, which were held in a lavish tent outside Ngee Ann City and lasted a mere 10 days, this year’s event is spread out across the island and runs until 28 February 2021—giving you almost three months to check out the fine offerings. 

Taking the form of pop-ups housed within 21 local jewellery stores—including Lee Hwa Jewellery, Goldheart Jewelry, Caratell, Elliott & Carmen, Empire Treasures, Infiniti Jewels, Mouawad, 2ToneVintage, Watch Wonderland and SIRI HOUSE—JeweLuxe 2020 lets watch and jewellery enthusiasts check out the highly curated displays at their own pace and in exclusive settings that ensure an intimacy often lost in a large crowd or venue.  

“You can now experience these amazing creations ‘live’,” says Angela Loh, co-founder and CEO of JeweLuxe International, in the sense that you can now interact directly with the works of top-notch designers and artisans. She further points out that the new presentation format will give one more time to not only see, but also “touch and feel some of these wearable pieces of art, and get a better appreciation for the inspiration and stories behind each iconic design”. 

“Our aim has always been to broaden the local perception of jewellery and watches to one that is more global, and where value goes beyond the precious gems per se,” says Loh. “There is an increasing demand for iconic designs and craft by world-class designers and watchmakers, and JeweLuxe aims to bring such progressive content to our shores, closer to Singaporeans.”

A Conflation Of Local And International Talents

With JeweLuxe’s new format this year, you will also get to explore not just the collections of global brands but local ones as well. Says Kean Ng, Senior Director, Jewellery Business at Aspial-Lee Hwa Jewellery, one of the venue partners: “We are thrilled to present an array of choices for our customers. We have something for everyone, from those who appreciate design, quality and craftsmanship to a younger audience who is very much into authenticity.”

This collaboration between local and international brands also opens doors to new opportunities and future partnerships on a global scale, which stands Singapore’s home-grown retailers in good stead.

Find Your Bling

Here’s where to find the treasures: 

Take It Online

The pandemic has changed many things, not least of which the retail landscape. JeweLuxe has adapted accordingly, with its team working tirelessly with local retailers and overseas brands alike to “deliver a multi-sensory experience of an exhibition across both the physical and digital space,” says Nelson Lee, co-founder and COO of JeweLuxe.

So if your visits to the physical pop-ups have left you wanting more, head on over to JeweLuxe World, an online showcase and e-commerce marketplace where you can revisit (and conveniently consume) the stunners in the comfort of your home. The online portal, which currently serves customers from Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Japan and Indonesia, also gives you access to the JeweLuxe eConcierge: a team of knowledgeable professionals who are on hand 24/7 to offer support—pertaining to style, restoration, insurance, security and more—as well as help coordinate your online purchases. 

Having cemented its global reputation as a prestigious jewellery and timepiece retail exhibition since its inception four years ago, JeweLuxe continues to bring the haute to this little red dot, paving the way to Singapore’s future as Asia’s epicentre for high design and craft.

JeweLuxe Singapore 2020 is on islandwide from now until 28 February 2021.

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