Sparkling spectacle: 100.02-carat sapphire valued at $4m takes centre stage at SIJE 2024

SINGAPORE – The 2024 Singapore International Jewelry Expo (SIJE) is set to shine even brighter with the world-first appearance of a 100.02-carat natural royal blue sapphire by local jeweller Vihari Jewels, valued at US$3 million (S$4.04 million).

Cut and polished from a rough sapphire crystal of over 900 carats, it has been classified by international gemological research laboratory GRS GemResearch Swisslab AG as “One Magnificent Gemstone” in its authentication report.

There are only about five of its kind on sale in the world.

Said to be the exhibition’s most expensive piece, the sapphire’s journey to Singapore was a high-stakes operation, involving multiple armed guards appointed by luxury goods shipping service Malca-Amit to ensure its safe passage here.

Ms Vihari Poddar, founder of Vihari Jewels, is excited to show Singaporeans the magnitude and brilliance of this extraordinary gemstone. Mined in Sri Lanka and cut in Bangkok, its vivid cerulean hue dazzles when seen with the naked eye. Following purchase, the buyer can select the setting that will showcase it best.

Singapore’s largest and longest-running jewellery show in the Asean region, now in its 19th edition, opens on July 11 at Marina Bay Sands and runs till July 14.

SIJE 2024 will feature more than US$250 million worth of local and international bling from more than 335 brands representing over 30 countries, including 57 local exhibitors.

Mrs Ilaria Cicero, chief executive of trade show organiser IEG Asia and organiser of SIJE 2024, says: “The show has come a long way. SIJE has earned an international reputation as a platform for some of the world’s most important jewellery pieces to debut and be sold to collectors and buyers from around the world.

“It also serves as an important platform for countries looking to expand their reach to regional and international markets.”

The Italian Pavilion takes the spotlight in 2024, with 14 master jewellers who will showcase their latest collections. This significant presence underscores Italy’s commitment to establishing a strong foothold in the regional jewellery market and highlights Singapore’s pivotal role as a leading hub in the Asean region.

Attendees will be able to marvel at a 1960s vanity set that once belonged to the late Italian screen icon Gina Lollobrigida. This stunning set, comprising an 18-karat gold purse, a compact powder case and a lipstick holder, was crafted by Italian luxury brand Bvlgari. The actress-model’s jeweller, Lolli Gioiellieri, will be showcasing this collection at the Oro D’Italia booth, alongside other renowned Italian brands. Its price will be disclosed upon request.

According to Mr Ho Nai Chuen, president of Singapore Jewellers Association, the country’s jewellery market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by increasing demand for high-quality, intricately designed pieces.

He says: “Today’s consumers prioritise jewellery that not only showcases exceptional craftsmanship, but also features unique designs and premium materials. There is a notable trend towards blending traditional artistry with contemporary aesthetics, appealing to a diverse customer base that values both heritage and innovation.”

Customised jewellery, he notes, has become increasingly popular, allowing customers to express their individuality through bespoke designs. “This shift is accompanied by a rising preference for sustainable and ethically sourced materials, reflecting global movements towards responsible consumption,” he adds.

But it is not just high-end baubles that attendees can look forward to.

The most affordable piece at SIJE 2024 is a New Yorker Freshwater Rice Pearl Necklace priced at $88 by home-grown pearl jewellery brand Pearly Lustre, featuring freshwater pearls that measure 4 to 5mm.

Meanwhile, making its debut in Singapore is Hong Kong manufacturer RNP Jewelry Design with an edgy 18-karat white gold ear cuff embellished with two diamonds totalling 0.12 carats. It is priced at US$194 (before GST).

Other items, like Simone Jewels’ The Flow Ring and Foundation Jewellers’ Nyonya Flower Motif Pendant, are going for a discount as well.

A January report by London-based market research and consumer insight company Euromonitor International indicates that jewellery sales are expected to increase in both retail volume and value despite inflationary pressures and tax hikes.

Sharing a March market report by Statista, a global data and business intelligence platform, Mr Ho highlights that Singapore’s jewellery market is poised for significant evolution in the coming years – potentially generating a revenue of US$1.31 billion in 2024, with per-person revenue estimated at US$216.90.

It also projects an annual growth rate of 1.68 per cent starting from 2024.

“As consumer preferences and shopping behaviours continue to evolve, the jewellery market in Singapore is set to adapt and innovate, emphasising sustainability, digitalisation and luxury appeal in equal measure,” he says.

Book it/Singapore International Jewelry Expo 2024

Where: Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Halls A & B, Level 1, Marina Bay Sands Singapore, 10 Bayfront Avenue
When: July 11 to 13, 11.30am to 8.30pm; July 14, 11.30am to 7.30pm
Admission: Free
Info:

sije.com.sg

Glitter and glam

Keep your eyes peeled for these 10 stunning treasures at SIJE 2024.

Dong Long Ju’s Art Jewelry ($41,000)

Designed in the shape of a whale frolicking in the ocean, this brooch is crafted from 624 diamonds totalling 7.064 carats, 774 blue sapphires totalling 17.007 carats and 22 moonstones. Each gemstone captures the essence of playful movement and shimmering light against the blue sea.

Simone Jewels’ The Flow Ring ($1,288)

Spotted on American pop star Lady Gaga in a commercial for mental health in April, this ring is available in solid 18-karat white gold, rose gold, yellow gold or black gold, and studded with diamonds.

Leonori SRL’s Anime Bracelet ($1,800)

This bracelet exudes femininity, blending malachite, white enamels and diamonds. Crafted from 18-karat rose gold, it pays homage to the iconic symbol of the Italian house with a hand-carved malachite symbol decorated with enamel and diamonds adorning the chain.

Foundation Jewellers’ Nyonya Flower Motif Pendant ($1,688 for buyers of the first 10 pieces)

Usually priced at $2,500, this 18-karat yellow gold pendant captures the essence of Peranakan floral artistry, with a flower charm made from 23 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling approximately 0.40 carats.

Fook’s Jewelry’s 18K White Gold Pink Sapphire with Diamond Ring (US$4,050)

This ultra-feminine ring, which will not look out of place on the set of the hit film Barbie (2023), showcases a stunning 1.04-carat pink sapphire at its centre, surrounded by 0.82 carats of diamonds.

La Joie’s Tourmaline Earrings ($22,800)

Several handpicked 17.98-carat tourmaline gemstones form this pair of earrings. Reversing the colours of the mint and pink tourmalines adds a modern twist to a classic design.

Zydo Italy’s Stretch White Nano Ceramic Bracelet ($18,888)

Crafted with nano ceramic, this stretch bracelet is adorned with 18-karat rose gold and diamonds, as well as silver under the ceramic layer. It boasts a total diamond weight of 2.43 carats.

DeGem’s Conch Tulip Brooch ($35,200)

This high jewellery brooch showcases a 12-carat gradient-hued conch pearl, complemented by an array of diamonds, pink sapphires and green tsavorites.

State Property Fine Jewellery’s Alara Tigerlily Signet Ring ($4,150)

This 18-karat yellow gold ring is a tribute to the opulence of Art Deco. A 0.23-carat ruby centres a geometric framework, adorned by 0.11 carats of surrounding white diamonds and a tiger’s eye stone. Ribbed detailing extends from the ring’s crown to its sides.

Ivy Masterpiece’s Special Cut Diamond Choker ($180,000)

This choker is adorned with a total of 17 carats of diamonds accentuating a central 3-carat pear-shaped yellow diamond.