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Business Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Times
Lee Hwa's golden homage to bridal jewellery
THERE IS NOTHING QUITE LIKE a wedding. The journey that culminates in the joining of two hearts, two lives, into a promise of love and commitment deserves more than just a celebration – it must be distinguished with lasting, cherished symbols. For centuries, the tradition of gifting a bride with gold jewellery and the exchanging of wedding bands have marked marital unions. From the joy of exploring diverse designs and excitement of selecting rings to the cool sensation of a necklace draping onto one's neck – these are timeless signs of devotion the world over. Yet, beyond romantic gestures, couples are increasingly recognising the multifaceted value of these precious mementos. Imperial Gold earrings in 999 gold with diamonds. PHOTO: LEE HWA Wedding jewellery ornaments, after all, are also meaningful investments, tangible products of fine craftsmanship and strong statements of personal style. In their quest for pieces that reflect both their values and individuality, many are rediscovering the irresistible pull of gold, with the lustrous metal experiencing a powerful renaissance. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up As bold, timeless gold jewellery makes a resurgence, the discerning are looking to Lee Hwa – a leading purveyor of jewellery for over half a century – for its distinctive take on this marvellous material. Welcome, to the full splendour of Imperial Gold and ITALGOLD. Imperial Gold – Where heritage meets heirloom As the first in the world to introduce purple gold and popularise white gold, Lee Hwa is once again blazing the trail with Imperial Gold. With it, the jeweller pays homage to centuries of Chinese goldsmithing heritage, yet elevates tradition by reimagining it for today's astute couples. Imperial Gold necklace and pendant in 999 gold with diamonds. PHOTO: LEE HWA Drawing on the opulence of ancient Chinese craftsmanship, pieces are crafted in pure 999 gold using artisanal techniques once reserved for the Imperial Court. Expertise in filigree, hammering, engraving and enamelling are on full display, as pieces come to life in fabulous forms. Imperial Gold earrings in 999 gold with diamonds. PHOTO: LEE HWA Each piece is then carefully hand-finished with a signature satin-matte texture, complete with intricate ornamental detail. Showcasing Lee Hwa's technical mastery and innovative spirit, select pieces are even set with brilliant diamonds – a rare achievement in 999 gold given its inherent softness. The beauty of Imperial Gold jewellery belies the fact that their designs are also steeped in meaning. Many pieces in the collection carry powerful cultural symbolism – koi fish representing abundance and perseverance; floral motifs symbolising love, harmony and new beginnings; and bamboo signifying strength, resilience, integrity and longevity. Imperial Gold ring with dragon design in 999 gold. PHOTO: LEE HWA Imperial Gold ring with phoenix design in 999 gold. PHOTO: LEE HWA Select designs are also inscribed with auspicious Chinese characters to convey blessings and prosperity. Blending heritage and artistry with enduring value, Imperial Gold is both a cherished bridal gift and a treasured modern heirloom to be passed down from generation to generation. ITALGOLD – Modern armour for the fearless couple Where Imperial Gold represents powerful symbolism and precious legacy, ITALGOLD embodies artisanal Italian craftsmanship in bold, contemporary designs. Its distinctive Italian aesthetics, architectural forms and gender-inclusive edge endear the collection to confident couples who desire strong, individualistic expressions of luxury in 916 gold. ITALGOLD bracelet in 916 gold. PHOTO: LEE HWA ITALGOLD earrings in 916 gold. ITALGOLD ring in 916 gold. PHOTO: LEE HWA Witness the sculptural silhouettes, striking chain links, geometric shapes and polished beads – each an unmistakable mark of distinctive style. Worn individually or sumptuously layered, ITALGOLD jewellery is everyday luxury designed to take its wearer effortlessly from wedding to every occasion thereafter. ITALGOLD Aurion ring in 916 gold. PHOTO: LEE HWA ITALGOLD ring in 916 gold. PHOTO: LEE HWA ITALGOLD Aurion necklace in 916 gold. PHOTO: LEE HWA In a daring evolution of the collection, Lee Hwa recently introduced ITALGOLD Aurion, a new range created for the self-assured, modern gentleman. Faithful to the DNA of the original, this series is crafted with masculine sensibilities in mind and features bold silhouettes and refined detailing. Yet, it also resonates powerfully with women who embrace a fearless, statement-driven style. What else could be more ideal for a dapper groom and chic bride seeking complementary jewellery that speaks to their shared style and strength? Mediacorp artiste, Desmond Tan. PHOTO: LEE HWA Perhaps the epitome of an ITALGOLD Aurion man is none other than award-winning actor, Desmond Tan. One could say the devoted husband and father is the modern groom's muse. Stylish, accomplished and sophisticated, Tan's courtship with his university sweetheart eventually led to a beautiful wedding ceremony in France four years ago. As the face of modern romance, his personal journey of love, marriage and parenthood finds poetic resonance in the collection that is designed not just for weddings, but each and every milestone that follows. So much so, Tan has curated a collection of Desmond's Signatures – bold yet authentic pieces – showcasing some of his favourite picks. Romance Cove – A dedicated bridal haven Wedding jewellery shopping needs to be personal and meaningful. To that end, Lee Hwa has thoughtfully designed its boutiques to offer a refined and intimate experience matching its commitment to celebrating love and milestones. Find serenity and personalised service at the Romance Cove in Lee Hwa boutiques. PHOTO: LEE HWA Amid the chaos that can come with wedding planning, a visit to the Romance Cove at ION Orchard, for instance, is a special encounter in a serene haven. Here, personalised service, careful advice and utmost privacy come together to create the perfect environment for considered decision-making. Besides engagement rings, wedding bands with diamonds and in 916 and 999 gold, traditional Si Dian Jin betrothal sets and occasion sets offer a wide range of options for couples. After all, jewellery is not just being bought, but chosen with great care and intention. A piece from Lee Hwa's 999 Gold Bar Bridal Series. PHOTO: LEE HWA Speaking of intention, those who understand wedding traditions will also know the significance of gold bars as a treasured part of bridal gifting. For an option that marries cultural meaning with tangible investment value, look to Lee Hwa's 999 Gold Bars. Exclusively designed in-house and released in limited editions, each gold bar tells a story of love, unity and new beginnings, fashioned through intricate details and meaningful motifs. A harmonious blend of tradition and modern sensibility, these are refreshing takes on a customary token that will last for generations. Indeed, when it comes to bold bridal jewellery, ceremony alone just won't cut it. Authenticity, self-expression, heritage, enduring value and meaning – they need to come together in a magical, harmonious mix to create some very special pieces. And after an illustrious 55 years, you can be sure that is something Lee Hwa understands well. Why shop anywhere else?
Vogue Singapore
16-07-2025
- Business
- Vogue Singapore
Golden Heritage: Modern jewels with a look of Asian tradition
There's something interesting happening in the space of Asian jewels. As gold prices have soared and soared, the allure of yellow gold—the colour that best shows the precious metal's natural hues and lustre—has risen in tandem. Gold has become a popular and trending safe haven asset once more. Even as creative designers flock to silver for a more affordable medium, high-carat gold jewellery has gained in popularity. Think of it as a way to wear your investments. That's become evident in the glut of brands offering high-karat gold pieces today. What used to be, frankly, dowdy and ostentatiously over-yellow (the sort of jewellery one might receive as a dowry or betrothal gift, say, that's kept in a safe and never worn) is taking on surprising new life. Stalwart Singapore jewellers like Goldheart and Lee Hwa, for instance, have introduced new collections of high-karat jewellery that offer a more wearable contemporary sensibility. Goldheart's line is named Gu Fa Jin, which translates from mandarin to mean ancient, or traditional, gold; while Lee Hwa's is named Imperial Gold. Both, you'll notice, allude to time-honoured Chinese methods of gold jewellery craftsmanship. This relation to heritage craftsmanship is also seeing a resurgence from Chinese and Hong Kong brands. Qeelin, a Hong Kong-based jeweller founded in 2004, is named after an auspicious Chinese mythical creature, and has a bestselling collection based on the traditionally lucky gourd designs of Chinese culture. It's a part of the Kering luxury conglomerate that owns brands like Gucci, Saint Laurent and Bottega Veneta. And while luxury fashion brands are, on the whole, seeing a slowdown, Kering reported that in the first quarter of 2025 'Qeelin achieved outstanding growth'. Or look to the casino level of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, where one of China's buzziest new jewellers has recently opened up shop. Laopu Gold, founded in Beijing in 2009, translates from Mandarin to mean, incredulously humbly, 'old shop'. Think of it, perhaps, as analogous to the literal understatement of Bottega Veneta—which roughly means 'Venetian shop' in Italian. Laopu trades on handcrafted high-karat gold—23-carats, or 990, or 99% gold by purity, and purports to use heritage savoir-faire that dates back to imperial palace jewellers. The look of its pieces—jewels, as well as lifestyle objects like hammered gold teapots and calligraphy brushes with bamboo-shaped gold handles—is deliciously luxe and cultured. Its success so far has earned it comparisons and monikers such as 'China's Hermès of gold'. Its outpost in Singapore's Marina Bay Sands is the brand's first outside of mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau. So it's clear that the aesthetic of Asian jewels is on the up. Here, Vogue curates a selection of pieces that, directly or obliquely, tap into the look. Courtesy of Risis 1 / 18 Risis SG60 Resilient Cambria Orchid brooch in encapsulated 24-carat Swiss gold and palladium with an Akoya pearl, $350, limited to 60 Courtesy of Qeelin 2 / 18 Qeelin Wulu petite necklace in 18-carat rose gold with diamonds and red agate, $2,800 Courtesy of Sue Ling 3 / 18 Sue Ling ring in 18-carat rose gold with imperial jade, diamonds, yellow sapphires, onyx and mother-of-pearl, price upon request Courtesy of State Property 4 / 18 State Property Idris Warisan bangle in 18-carat yellow gold with diamonds, $8,750 Courtesy of B.P. de Silva 5 / 18 B.P. de Silva Horizon Infinite Band in 18-carat yellow and white gold with diamonds, $9,000 Courtesy of Boucheron 6 / 18 Boucheron Serpent Bohème anklet in 18-carat yellow gold with diamonds, $6,550 Courtesy of Buccellati 7 / 18 Buccellati Opera Tulle bracelet in 18-carat yellow gold, $5,300 Courtesy of Carrie K 8 / 18 Carrie K Blessings Jade Twisty bangle in 14-carat yellow gold with jade and diamonds, $1,950 Courtesy of Goldheart 9 / 18 Goldheart Gu Fa Jin ring in 24-carat gold, $2,340 Courtesy of Louis Vuitton 10 / 18 Louis Vuitton Idylle Blossom ring in 18-carat pink gold with diamonds, $8,250 Courtesy of Lee Hwa 11 / 18 Lee Hwa Imperial Gold earrings in 24-carat yellow gold with diamonds, $528 Courtesy of Tiffany & Co. 12 / 18 Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Bean design ring in 18-carat yellow gold with jade, $2,900 Courtesy of Anabela Chan 13 / 18 Anabela Chan Petunia vermeil ring with lab-grown pink sapphire, £1,190 Courtesy of Pomellato 14 / 18 Pomellato Nudo bracelet in 18-carat rose gold with brown diamonds and white topazes, $13,500 Courtesy of Goldheart 15 / 18 Goldheart Gu Fa Jin Qing Hua earrings in 24-carat yellow gold, price upon request Courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels 16 / 18 Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée Toi & Moi secret watch in 18-carat rose gold with green jasper, rose quartz, diamonds and mother-of-pearl, $52,000 Courtesy of Chaumet 17 / 18 Bee de Chaumet Pompon pendant in 18-carat yellow gold with diamonds, $32,900 Courtesy of Chow Tai Fook 18 / 18 Chow Tai Fook Rouge pendant in 24-carat yellow gold with diamonds and red enamel, $7,000
