Soul in Creation: Female jewellery designers who embody passion, perfection and purpose

With Zahira Fine Jewellery, the Stames sisters seamlessly blend their discerning eye for exquisite gemstones with an innate talent for crafting alluring designs. Their creations not only encompass vibrant and vivacious jewellery collections but also bespoke, one-of-a-kind pieces cherished by discerning clients worldwide.

Sara Sze Tan
An Order of Bling

Sara Sze Tan is a trailblazing Singaporean jewellery designer who has captured the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide with the exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs of An Order of Bling. 

At the heart of Tan’s work lies an unparalleled passion for crafting jewellery that goes beyond the ordinary. She describes her creative process as something that simply happens, an intuitive spark that ignites her imagination. It’s this innate artistic drive that has led her to produce jewellery pieces that are nothing short of spectacular.

Her commitment to her craft is also evident in her willingness to collaborate with clients to create custom pieces that carry personal significance. Tan understands that jewellery is not just adornment; it's an expression of emotions and memories. She encourages clients to use their own handwriting, adding an intimate touch to her creations.

Tan’s design inspiration knows no bounds. She draws from various sources, including pop culture, literature, and life experiences. Her pieces often have cheeky catchphrases and hidden surprises, adding an element of whimsy and delight to her designs. But it’s not just the quirks that define her work; it's the emotional depth that sets her creations apart. Her ability to translate personal stories into unique jewellery pieces is a testament to her empathy and connection with her clients. She is also able to weave stories through her ability to capture the essence of human emotions with her designs.

Jessie Foo
Yuli Inc Fine Jewellery

Jessie Yuli Foo is the founder and creative force behind Yuli Inc Fine Jewellery, a renowned luxury brand based in Singapore with a nearly three-decade history of success. She is deeply committed to the concept of change and continuous evolution, which has been instrumental in the brand's growth.

Yuli Inc Fine Jewellery is known for crafting each piece as a masterpiece, with a strong emphasis on storytelling through design. Their creations effortlessly blend simplicity, elegance, and grace, setting them apart in the world of fine jewellery. Foo’s creative designs are celebrated for their sophistication, vitality, and warmth, reflecting her passion for each piece's unique narrative.

What truly distinguishes Yuli Inc is its top-tier craftsmanship and the creation of bespoke jewellery that aligns with the individual styles and personalities of their clients. They often incorporate rare gemstones, catering to a clientele with a taste for the extraordinary.

Foo sees her jewellery as a means of expressing life's significant moments. Each collection and design carry its own story, with Foo likening herself to a performer on a stage, striving to deliver her best to her audience. Her passion for design and storytelling through jewellery is evident in the brand's opulent and one-of-a-kind creations that continue to captivate and inspire.

Achillea Teng
Caratell

Caratell is a Singapore jewellery brand and a celebrated name in the world of jewellery. Founded by Achillea Teng, together with husband Michael Koh in 2004, their shared passion for design and their unique creative approaches have been the driving force behind their success.

Teng’s designs lean towards simplicity, and a defining aspect of her creative process with her husband is their shared devotion to rare gemstones, often obtained through adventurous journeys to remote mines. These trips serve as a wellspring of inspiration, forming the foundation for their thematic collections. 

Caratell’s jewellery pieces are not just adornments but vessels for expressing the designers’ unique stories, whether whimsical, avant-garde, or minimalist.

Don’t miss: Defining sophistication in gold: Fope's innovative and iconic jewellery showcased by Singaporean tastemakers

Marilyn Tan
Marilyn Tan Jewellery

Marilyn Tan has been crafting exquisite pieces since 1988 and her creations are a testament to her unwavering passion, tenacity, and unique design philosophy. What sets Tan apart is her deep knowledge of gemstones, craftsmanship, and precious metals. And in many ways, her bold and out-of-the-box designs—think jade set in copper and pearls set in stainless steel–speak of a woman who has always gone against the grain.

She sees jewellery as more than adornment; it's an expression of confidence and companionship for the modern woman. Her pieces are designed to be worn every day, serving as a constant reminder of self-assurance and marking the most beautiful moments in life.

Marilyn Tan Jewellery has garnered international recognition, including prestigious awards and placements in museum collections. Her design atelier has even been featured in the esteemed Louis Vuitton City Guide to Singapore. Tan’s unwavering commitment to crafting unique and stylish jewellery, coupled with her dedication to her craft, continues to make her a trailblazer in the world of fine jewellery. Her creations are a testament to her passion and a reflection of her enduring philosophy of blending contemporary design with timeless elegance.

For the veteran designer who to this day sketches each piece and has everything assembled back home in Singapore—the greatest reward is still seeing her pieces cherished by customers, both regulars and first-time buyers.

Emily Tan 
Calla Lily Fine Jewellery

As a designer, Emily took her first steps into fashion in footwear. She joined Jimmy Choo Couture in London after graduating from the London College of Fashion. Following a stint with Marni in Italy, she moved to Vietnam to work on costume jewellery. But her desire really was to create pieces that last. That’s why she moved back to Singapore and began designing fine bespoke jewellery and working with gems. She went to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in New York to study, and was drawn to the beauty and uniqueness of coloured gemstones and never looked back.

The embodiment of bespoke fine jewellery craftsmanship, Calla Lily captures emotions through modular and adaptable designs to create one-of-a-kind keepsakes. From repurposing heirlooms to reimagining old treasures, clients entrust Calla Lily to breathe new life into cherished gems. 

“We differentiate ourselves by having a fun and uninhibited take on luxury. We create statement pieces that can be worn every day, rather than only at cocktail parties. Our clients also value our ability to suggest designs like a jewellery stylist. We focus on giving advice and educating, always co-creating with our clients.” 

Simone Ng
Simone Jewels

Gemologist Simone Ng combined her passion for design, gemstones, history and self-expression to start Simone Jewels. Known for its one-in-the-world high jewellery and distinctive gender-neutral fine jewellery designs, Simone Jewels works with specialised artisans worldwide to create storied gems of timeless, wearable art that celebrate individualism. 

She founded her own eponymous label, Simone Jewels, in 2006 and has since carved out a name on the global stage, dressing Hollywood celebrities such as Rihanna and Taylor Swift. Today, the brand has a by-appointment-only studio in Singapore and it is also available in the UK, Paris, and the US. In 2020, it became the first Singapore jewellery label to showcase at Harrods. Earlier this year, Ng launched a collection inspired by tattoos, since both tattoos and jewellery help express one's individuality

Visit www.ultraluxe.io to learn more about the brands that will be participating this year.

NOW READ

Ultraluxe Festival is back: Here are all the highlights to expect

Defining sophistication in gold: Fope’s innovative and iconic jewellery showcased by Singaporean tastemakers