While traversing the world, Brandy Dallas keeps her eyes peeled for new acquisitions for her treasure box. “I try to purchase a piece of jewellery to mark the occasion,” says the fiery-haired 28-yearold, who is a senior retail marketing manager at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. “Jewels are tiny treasures that I can keep forever.”

The affable Canadian offers up interesting commentary about her baubles such as the diamond and gold earring and necklace set from India that she got as a gift, and her current favourite piece: a Kenzo tiger ring. But her eyes truly light up when she picks out the delicate Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra malachite pendant. “It was a gift from someone dear before a trip to Ireland—the green of the malachite reminds me of the country.”

(Related: Valentine's Day Shopping at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands)

Her appreciation for classic luxury names such as Louis Vuitton, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels can be credited to the 10 years she spent in India, before moving to Singapore in 2014. “I visited forts and palaces in Rajasthan where the Maharajas of Jaipur and Jodhpur were fervent customers of Louis Vuitton, ordering countless custom-made trunks in the early 20th century,” she recalls. “It was where I really began to associate luxury with timeless appeal.”