Yes, says Small Laude

I have been collecting jewellery for quite some time now, and I am already content and happy with my acquisitions. After all, one can only wear so much jewellery at any given time. And you must admit that today’s fashion jewellery designs are becoming more and more exciting.

But a bag is a girl’s constant companion—from day to night, from casual to formal—so yes, I would prefer receiving an iconic bag over a piece of jewellery for Christmas.

When well taken care of, high-end bags are just as valuable as jewellery. Keep them in dust bags. When your bag accidentally gets stained, use Staedtler rubber. When you’re carrying a Birkin, don’t put too much lotion on your hands and arms. You can also use a Twilly— I am not a fan of them but they now come in so many designs.

For bags, I have my preferences. I like exotic leather such as lizard, crocodile, or calf. I also prefer pink in any shade, most especially bubble-gum pink.

My current coveted bag is a 28 Kelly and I am so happy that it comes in my favourite colour. Maybe my husband will read this and give it to me for Christmas!

These days, Small Laude is busy overseeing the construction of her house—this on top of her work with the family brokerage company and the marketing department of her sister’s construction company.

No, says Wynn Wynn Ong

I would prefer a piece of jewellery over a bag. Jewellery is a more personal gift, particularly if it means something to the giver. Certain bags may also appreciate in value if well taken care of, but jewellery appreciates on different levels: the actual worth of the piece and the emotional resonance, which may outweigh its material cost.

I love singular pieces, particularly heirlooms, like a jewelled button given to me by my maternal grandmother. One of a set of five of African mine-cut diamonds weighing three carats each, it was set in reverse with the cullet facing up and the table hidden underneath. I had mine cut into a solitaire on a chain and reset with the face side up. The remaining four went to other female cousins and became rings.

During the early 20th century, women in Burma used jewelled buttons to tie the five loops on their eingyi, the traditional top made of fine organdie, worn over a silk sarong. These buttons were most often made of diamonds, rubies, emeralds, imperial jade, pearls, sapphires, or semi-precious gems such as citrine, amethyst, or peridot. The less affluent used buttons of plain gold, silver, or copper.

Wynn Wynn Ong, who has made the Philippines her home, just presented a collection at the Philippine gold exhibition at the Asia Society Museum in New York. Her next collection is inspired by a spring garden.