The supercar enthusiast shares why her decisions on which pieces to add to her collection are based on her emotions

From her first encounter with a memorable piece of jewellery to the thought process that goes on behind each purchase, Carmen Ow is no stranger to the world of high jewellery and luxe watches. The 30-year-old tells us more about her love for the finer things in life.

Tatler Asia
High Jewellery necklace in pink gold with rubellite, emeralds and diamonds, and High Jewellery ring in pink gold with amethyst bead, peridot bead and diamonds, both by Bvlgari. Polyester dress with embellished details by Prada
Above Carmen wears High Jewellery necklace in pink gold with rubellite, emeralds and diamonds, and High Jewellery ring in pink gold with amethyst bead, peridot bead and diamonds, both by Bvlgari; and polyester dress with embellished details by Prada

Her love for hot wheels is a well-known fact with her often joining her father, Victor Ow, on driving trips. Not only does she enjoy the adrenaline rush, she also appreciates the finer details and craftsmanship in making the supercars she drives the thoroughbred mechanical beasts they are. Similarly with watches and jewellery, the director at property developer Clydesbuilt Group looks beyond merely aesthetics, seeking that special connection with the pieces before she makes a decision to acquire them. 
 
My first jewellery purchase... It was probably when I was eight or nine on a family trip to Florence, Italy. I saw this yellow gold charm bracelet filled with animal motifs at a tiny jewellery shop there. My late aunt, who doted on me a lot, knew that I liked it and she was so sweet—she went back to the shop to secretly buy it before surprising me with it later on during the trip. Now, it’s too small to be worn but I still have it with me.

Design, brand or savoir faire?... Craftsmanship and design definitely play a part in swaying my decision on which pieces to acquire. But I tend to be influenced by my emotions—what matters most is how I feel about the piece on first impression. Sometimes, after I try it on, the piece evokes a different feeling—for better or worse—too. So, it’s really about my feeling towards the creation.

The item on my current wishlist... The Balcone brooch from Van Cleef & Arpels’ latest Romeo & Juliet high jewellery collection. It features the balcony scene from the play, which is one of the highlights of the Shakespearean classic. On the front is a just beautifully crafted balcony but hidden behind the clip, where the pin is, are the two figurines of Romeo & Juliet. I particularly love that little secret twist, which shows their forbidden relationship as they declare their love in the darkness.


Read about two other millennials who tell us more about their watch and jewellery collections in our Jewels & Time 2019 special.

Derrick Yeo | Sonia Ong

Credits

Photography  

Darren Gabriel Leow

Styling  

Joey Tan

Photographer's Assistant  

Eric Tan

Hair  

Chris Siow, using Revlon Professional

Make-Up  

Ernest Lim, using Giorgio Armani Beauty

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