Luxe for less: Affordable bling and timeless treasures at UltraLuxe 2024

SINGAPORE – In times of economic uncertainty, UltraLuxe founder and chief executive Angela Loh believes one can still shine like a diamond, even without splurging.

Set to dazzle at the Tent@Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza from Oct 4 to 13, the third edition of the 10-day festival will showcase over 120 jewellery, fashion, spirits and watch brands from around the globe.

2024 also marks the debut of new pillar DineLuxe to celebrate Singapore’s culinary prowess and gastronomic creativity.

The public can experience the artistry and expertise of chefs from five eateries – Capasso, Entrepot, Imbue, Oso and Sarai – who will be coming up with a fixed multi-course menu (priced from $88++) based on the theme, Purism in Culinary. It will be available at the respective restaurants throughout UltraLuxe’s run.

Also taking place alongside the main festival are UltraLuxe Homme, featuring the LuxEscapade section for premium leisure experiences, as well as ChronoSphere, a dedicated space for watch enthusiasts happening from Oct 9 to 13.

But, as always, jewellery takes centre stage at JeweLuxe, with over 85 independent jewellery brands and designers offering pieces ranging from creations priced under $3,000 to luxurious designs exceeding $30,000.

Ms Loh, 57, says: “I’ve been quite sensitive to the fact that the economy affects people’s spending power, so I’ve curated jewellery brands that offer lower price points this year.”

In a collaboration aimed at democratising luxury, she has partnered Russia-born, Paris-based jewellery influencer Katerina Perez to curate a selection of affordable luxury pieces.

“It’s about making luxury accessible, below $10,000, $2,000 or even $1,000,” says Ms Loh.

One example is the Mini Puzzle collection designed by French jeweller Akillis Paris. Priced at about $2,200, the Mini Puzzle Duo diamond chain bracelet is an elegant piece crafted in gold and features two interlocking puzzle pieces – one polished and one encrusted with sparkling diamonds.

The piece also comes with a matching earring (around $1,200) and necklace ($2,900).

There is also the $2,100 Poem pendant by Lebanese jeweller Kevork Khatcherian, which features a minimalist circular design with a single pear-shaped diamond delicately suspended at its centre.

Those with deeper pockets can find a wealth of treasures beyond the usual Van Cleefs and Cartiers.

The ethos behind UltraLuxe has always been about discovering niche brands, and Ms Loh is inviting attendees to explore a diverse array of independent names and vintage treasures, emphasising craftsmanship and longevity over status symbols.

She says: “History was one of my majors in university, which is why I’m drawn to artists. I’m particularly inspired by the Medicis and the Renaissance – how a period like the Dark Ages could give rise to such incredible artistic achievement, thanks to the support of independent talent.”

In line with this vision, two Qing Dynasty antiques – a headpiece and a necklace – owned by a private Taiwanese collector and curated by Ms Loh will be available for viewing at the exclusive CIMB Ultimate LuxeScape event as part of UltraLuxe, accessible by invitation only.

They are made using tian-tsui, a traditional Chinese artistic technique that incorporates the vibrant, iridescent feathers of the kingfisher.

Meanwhile, reimagined antique pieces adorned with the same feathers – once reserved for royalty and nobility – will be displayed at UltraLuxe’s Nouveau Asia gallery, which also highlights Peranakan and Indian royal heritage in jewellery-making.

And from Oct 9 to 13, Ms Loh will be working with Bakhache, a Malaysia-based jeweller with more than 35 years of experience in the industry, to shine a spotlight on independent brands dating back to the 1800s, along with other significant historical pieces.

“We will be showcasing brands with exceptional craftsmanship, intricate design processes and fascinating stories, to highlight the breadth and timelessness of this artistic genre,” she says.

There are also modern pieces, like the Eka MiaLuce necklace from Fope, the Italian fine jewellery brand celebrated for its signature flexible mesh crafted entirely from 18K gold.

Priced at $467,900, the necklace – as well as matching bracelet and earrings – was recently seen on American pop star and actress Jennifer Lopez in the music video for her 2024 single, Can’t Get Enough.

Meanwhile, the festival’s most expensive piece is a $2.2 million ring by American jeweller Scott West.

Crafted in platinum and ceramic, it has a stunning blue 0.8-carat oval diamond at its centre, flanked by two ultra-rare Argyle pink diamonds, totalling 0.35 carats. The design is further elevated by the addition of four tapered baguette diamonds, contributing an additional 0.12 carats of brilliance.

While economic downturns often lead to reduced spending, Ms Loh views this as an opportunity for discerning shoppers to invest in meaningful, long-lasting pieces.

“As I’ve grown and matured, I’ve realised that I used to buy lots of small, inexpensive items that eventually tarnished and were discarded. If I had pooled that money into one significant, beautiful piece, I would still have it today,” she says.

The ultimate bling wishlist: What to look out for at UltraLuxe 2024

Autore Enchantress necklace, price upon request

Autore’s Enchantress necklace from the Ophidia Collection is a striking serpent-inspired design, crafted in rose gold and adorned with South Sea pearls and diamonds. The undulating form of the snake is accented by sustainably sourced pearls, reflecting the commitment of the Sydney-based brand – a world leader in South Sea pearls – to ethical luxury.

4928 convertible brooches, $50,000

Hong Kong-based 4928 has a reputation for transforming Qing Dynasty and early Republic antiques into stunning wearable art, and this piece is no exception. Designed to be worn as both pendants and brooches, they are fashioned from antique brooches and enhanced with luxurious materials like pearls, coral, jade, tsavorite and antique Kingfisher feathers.

Leonori Gioielli ring, from $2,200

This ring from Leonori Gioielli’s Anello Collection is crafted in gold and adorned with brilliant diamonds arranged in a snowflake-like motif. Its unique double-sided design features a swivelling central logo, with one side showcasing a natural turquoise stone and the other sparkling with diamonds.

With over 60 years of expertise, this Italian jewellery brand is celebrated for blending boldness with contemporary elegance.

House Of Umrao earrings, $25,000

These exquisite earrings from Mumbai-based House of Umrao combine the brilliance of diamonds with the richness of emerald beads, fanning out in an elegant, symmetrical design that exudes both grace and glamour.

Founded by Anuj Shah, the brand is renowned for its fine jewellery that draws inspiration from Art Deco styles. The pieces have been worn by numerous celebrities – including former United States first lady Michelle Obama and American actress Julia Roberts – at events such as the Oscars and Grammys.

Akillis Paris Mini Puzzle bracelet, $2,200

One of the more affordable pieces in the line-up for 2024, the Mini Puzzle diamond chain bracelet is an elegant piece featuring two interlocking puzzle pieces – one polished and one encrusted with sparkling diamonds. Blending traditional French craftsmanship with a rebellious edge, French jeweller Akillis Paris crafts luxury wearables that bring a bold twist to everyday elegance.

Alexander Laut ring, $110,000

It showcases a captivating 60-carat rubellite as its centrepiece, supported by a diamond-encrusted 18K white-gold frame. Russian Alexander Laut, a master of rare and collectible stones, creates one-of-a-kind handcrafted pieces known for their exquisite craftsmanship and uniqueness, each bearing an identification code and his signature stamp.

B.P. de Silva Jewellers necklace, price upon request

At the heart of this masterpiece is a vibrant yellow sapphire, cradled by an intricately looped design encrusted with sparkling diamonds, reflecting the local jeweller’s signature blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary sophistication. Founded in 1872 in Singapore’s High Street, B.P. de Silva Jewellers has long been a symbol of luxury and refinement and known for bespoke creations.

Scott West earrings, from $10,500

These elegant butterfly earrings from Scott West Jewelry are adorned with vibrant yellow and Argyle pink diamonds – rare stones often coveted by collectors and displayed at prestigious auction houses such as Sotheby’s and Christie’s.

Each piece, including the matching ring and pendant, reflects the meticulous craftsmanship of the American jeweller, known for making yellow and rare Argyle pink diamonds more accessible.

Norbu Lee Gems pendant, $11,220

This features a vibrant Spessartine Garnet set in 18K white gold, surrounded by natural diamonds. Designed as a dual-purpose piece, it seamlessly merges beauty with functionality, serving as both a pendant and a magnifying glass adorned with sparkling stones.

Founded in Singapore in 2020, Norbu Lee Gems embodies a philosophy of creativity, craftsmanship and everyday luxury. Each design, like this pendant, emphasises practicality while maintaining a sense of elegance, making it both a functional tool and a statement of individuality.

Infiniti Jewels pendant-brooch, $18,000

This piece by home-grown fine jewellery brand Infiniti Jewels features a fancy, intense 0.80-carat orange-yellow diamond set as a brooch or pendant in the shape of a dragonfly, surrounded by additional diamonds for a sparkling, ethereal effect.

Known for its focus on rarity and meticulous craftsmanship, Infiniti Jewels specialises in creating custom-designed, handcrafted jewellery using ethically sourced gemstones and diamonds.

Ultra Bar: Rare whiskies from East and West

There is more to the festival than just fine jewellery. Sparkles meet spirits as UltraLuxe 2024 unveils its new Ultra Bar, designed by Singapore-based British award-winning interior design company Elliot James Interiors.

The premier spot will showcase iconic and rare whiskies from Scotland’s Ardnahoe Distillery in Islay and Japan’s Shinano spirits company. The latter is known for prestigious brands such as Kujira and Shinobu.

Highlights at Ultra Bar include the Akashi 12 Years Single Malt Whisky, crafted by Japan’s oldest licensed distillery, Eigashima Shuzo, and aged in Spanish sherry oak casks. This rare whisky, with only 26 sets available worldwide, is made under the guidance of a toji (master sake brewer) and features a label adorned with the ukiyo-e-style artwork from the late Edo period.

Another standout is the Wildmoor Black Mountain Whisky from William Grant & Sons, a 40-year-old blended Scotch whisky inspired by the towering mountains of Northern Scotland. This rich and elegant blend combines rare grain and Highland malts, and is finished in a Pedro Ximenez cask for a deep, refined flavour profile.

UltraLuxe guests will also be among the first in Singapore to experience Ardnahoe Distillery’s Inaugural Release – a limited-edition Islay single malt Scotch whisky crafted by the Glasgow-based Laing family. This whisky, which contains 50 per cent alcohol, is complemented by fruity notes and a rich finish.