Upon the invitation to a private suite for an event, little would I know that it would far exceed my expectations. Arriving at the Ritz Carlton in Kuala Lumpur, I found a stylish cluster of guests looking rather lost in the lobby. Apparently no one seemed to have the actual suite number, perhaps undisclosed for security reasons. Eventually, we were guided to the venue and welcomed with tea and light dining prepared by a personal French chef.
They say Sarawakians are everywhere and coincidently, I came face to face with a young lady who had just happened to cross paths with me in Kuching just before my flight to Kuala Lumpur. With blonde tresses that are hard to miss, Adeline Sim was one of the team members assisting in the exclusive private showcase of jewellery. I was then introduced to the elegant Simone Ng, the founder and creative director of Simone Jewels, who graciously led me through her exquisite collection.
A certified gemmologist and award-winning jewellery designer, Simone Ng was rated amongst Singapore’s Top 10 designers for 3 consecutive years since 2015 and was a recipient of the Luxury Jewellery Brand Award for 2016. Originally from Malaysia, she graduated in Commerce from the University of Western Australia followed by a Masters of Business Administration from Melbourne University, a diamond gemmological certification from HRD Antwerp and numerous other qualifications for coloured gemstones and jade.
On her foray into this field, Simone explains that she was born into a family of jewellers and her passion for the same was sparked from a tender age. In 2006 she started her first collection which half of it was sold out in a mere 20 minutes. Since then, Simone Jewels has become an established name within well-heeled circles across Asia, Europe and the United States.
Driven to know more, I wanted to know the inspiration behind her work and was rewarded with the unexpected
‘History, because I simply love history. It makes us who we are today.’ Indeed, Simone indulges in research in order to curate a distinctive theme for each piece and collection.
One of Simone’s latest collection is entitled ‘A Star is Born ‘and is inspired by the acclaimed documentary of the same name, Hedy Lamarr, who is her latest muse. The iconic Hollywood star hailing from an era even before I was born.
The story of one had left her hometown of Vienna for the exhilarating world of Tinseltown to become an epitome of glamour and elegance. The collection of coloured gemstones might be described as exuding old world glam with a modern twist. We watched the documentary while we had tea.
The designs of Simone Jewels are undoubtedly one of a kind. Simone explained that it is through story telling that her jewellery becomes an art form. By meticulous craftsmanship and unorthodox design, the creations of the 14-year-old atelier are distinctive and treasurable as heirlooms. For the fortunate owner, rest assured that no other in the world will hold the exact piece in your possession.
The ladies who dropped by the suite, including yours truly, were awestruck by the brilliantly cut diamonds, certified rubellite tourmalines, emeralds, unheated star sapphire cabochons and other gemstones set into rings, bracelets and necklaces. Every piece is painstakingly constructed through layers upon layers of processes and involves extensive craftmanship.
I was fascinated by a breath-taking pendant beautifully set with a stunning 3.37 carat Blue Spinel. Astoundingly, this intricate creation actually houses a miniature wind-up movement that emits a soothing melody.
How are such masterpieces acquired, one might wish to know?
The brand is based in Singapore but arrangements may be made for Simone or her personnel to fly and engage with customers at their locations. Plans are also in the pipeline for Simone Jewels to open an office in Kuala Lumpur.
