This year's Singapore JewelFest features 75 jewellers from all over the world.

With hundreds of glittering pieces on display, visitors will be spoilt for choice.

Likewise, ask festival director Angela Loh for her favourite piece and she will tell you it is hard to pick just one.

"I personally do not have a favourite gem. But I love designs that capture my imagination, are conceptual and tell a story," says Ms Loh.

She points out a pair of emerald and diamond earrings by Taiwan brand Sequins Jewelry.

"Their designs are very bold. They combine different gems yet retain a delicate elegance," she says.

Ms Loh also highlights a piece from Hong Kong label Malpani, a pair of drop earrings with a floral motif featuring pigeon blood rubies and diamonds.

"Malpani uses classic gems but there is a playfulness to its design. A kind of whimsy that is beautiful," she adds.

The jewellery lover, who is in her 40s, has been with the festival since its inception 13 years ago. She recalls: "In the beginning, people were interested only in diamonds, they knew only about diamonds. But about six years ago, coloured gems started gaining popularity."

She says that consumer awareness has grown a lot and people are starting to appreciate lesser-known gems such as tanzanite and citrine.

"I think shoppers are getting more sophisticated and the market in general has widened over the years. People are looking for great pieces to own, pieces that make a statement."

Here, she picks her top eight pieces from the exhibition.