By Sasha Gonzales
Jewellery designer Simone Ng of Simone Jewels creates pieces that tell stories and celebrate individuality – what she calls “one-in-the-world wearable art”. She shares what drives and inspires her.
Since establishing Simone Jewels in 2006, Simone Ng has strived to create magnificent heirloom pieces that embody artistic innovation and impeccable craftsmanship.
Simone, a certified gemmologist, works primarily with coloured gems – in fact, she was one of the first to introduce coloured gemstones to her clients in the 2000s – and her designs, which are inspired by history, art and literature, are unique, with no two pieces exactly the same.
The Malaysia-born designer was introduced to coloured gems as a child. Her maternal grandparents travelled the world extensively as competitive national shooters and always brought back beautiful, rare gemstones from countries like Burma (now Myanmar), which, at the time, was not open to tourists.
Simone’s mother loved to design jewellery. As a young girl, Simone recalls admiring her 3D drawings and trying to emulate them. A passion for creating soon developed, and it was only a matter of time before Simone launched her own brand. She showcased her first collection of 20 pieces at a private event and sold half of it within 30 minutes.
Today, Simone Jewels is well-loved around the world, with its collections worn by members of noble families and celebrities including singers Taylor Swift and Rihanna. Over the years, the brand has also picked up numerous awards, and in 2020, it became the first Singapore jewellery brand to be stocked at Harrods, the British luxury department store.
For Simone, jewellery is more than just beautiful embellishment. Every piece has its own meaning and story to tell.
Here, the self-taught designer talks about her fondness for precious stones, creating “wearable art”, jewellery trends, and sustainability in the industry.
Who were your main influences in your journey to becoming a designer?
My paternal grandfather owned jewellery stores in Malaysia. Although I never met him, he left a legacy of entrepreneurial spirit and passion for his work that continues to inspire me. My mother has been a profound influence on me. Growing up, I was constantly inspired by her impeccable taste and love for beautifully crafted jewellery. She taught me to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that go into creating timeless pieces. And my husband’s encouragement and support have been instrumental in shaping my career.
When did you decide that you wanted to design jewellery for a living?
At the age of 12, I discovered my passion for jewellery design. I’d always loved beautiful objects and excelled in arts and crafts at school. When I wanted something unique that I couldn’t find in stores, I made it myself. This hands-on experience ignited my desire to pursue jewellery design, which eventually led to the establishment of Simone Jewels.
How did you pick up the skills required to design jewellery?
My journey has been shaped by a combination of personal exploration, formal education, and mentorship.
Creating simple jewellery pieces in my younger days allowed me to experiment with different materials and techniques. Along the way, my skills improved and my unique style began to take shape.
While I started with self-taught methods, I also pursued formal education to deepen my knowledge and expand my skills, earning a Diamond Gemmological Certification from HRD Antwerp, which provided a strong foundation in gemstone grading and selection, and completing numerous certifications for coloured gemstones and jade grading with the Gubelin Academy.
I did not undertake formal apprenticeships but I had the privilege of learning from several mentors in the industry. These mentors provided guidance on both the creative and business aspects of jewellery design.
What do you love about working with coloured gems?
I love how coloured gems can tell stories and evoke emotions through their vibrant hues and special characteristics. Each gemstone has its own personality and history, making them deeply personal and sacred to those who wear them.
I learned early on that coloured gemstones are rare. My love for colours inspired me to focus my designs on coloured gemstones. Since 2006, we have been educating others about the beauty and rarity of these precious stones.
Where do you source these stones?
We work with reputable suppliers who adhere strictly to international standards for ethical mining and trading practices. This involves sourcing gemstones from mines and regions known for their quality and sustainability efforts. Each gemstone undergoes rigorous selection criteria to ensure it meets our standards of beauty, rarity, and ethical integrity before being incorporated into our designs.
Over the years, we have established trusted partnerships with various suppliers worldwide, in countries like Brazil, Tanzania and Madagascar. These suppliers either own or have close working relationships with the mines.
What is the design process like for you?
It begins with inspiration from history, art, or literature. I sketch initial designs to capture the essence of my vision. Materials are carefully chosen, focusing on high-quality gemstones and complementary metals. Skilled artisans then meticulously handcraft each piece, employing techniques like CAD, 3D wax, and others. Rigorous quality control ensures that each piece meets our standards before presentation.
What are your thoughts about sustainability in the industry?
Sustainability reduces environmental impact by minimising mining and resource extraction, decreases wastage, and promotes ethical practices throughout the supply chain. This aligns with the values of our discerning clientele who prioritise responsible consumption. Embracing sustainability fosters innovation in design and materials, encouraging us to explore eco-friendly alternatives and technologies. By adopting sustainable practices, we contribute positively to the environment and support a more ethical and transparent jewellery and materials, encouraging us to explore eco-friendly alternatives and technologies. By adopting sustainable practices, we contribute positively to the environment and support a more ethical and transparent jewellery
What makes your creations stand out?
Our designs are rooted in cultural inspiration, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. Each piece tells a story, often inspired by history, art, or literature, which resonates with our clients on a personal and cultural level.
We also prioritise meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. Our artisans employ traditional techniques alongside modern innovations to ensure that each piece meets our exacting standards of quality and beauty.
Additionally, we offer a bespoke service that allows clients to personalise and repurpose jewellery, creating one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect their individual style and story. This commitment to customisation and sustainability enhances the value and emotional connection of our creations.
Lastly, our dedication to ethical practices and sustainability sets us apart. We strive to source materials responsibly and minimise our environmental footprint, aligning with the values of our socially conscious clientele.
Besides designing jewellery, do you have other artistic pursuits?
I have a deep appreciation for various forms of art and creativity. I am particularly drawn to the visual arts, such as painting, sculpture and architecture, which inspire and inform my jewellery designs.
What jewellery trends can we expect to see in the near future?
The trends are expected to focus heavily on sustainability, with a shift towards ethical sourcing and eco-friendly materials. Minimalism will continue to prevail, emphasising clean lines and timeless designs that prioritise quality.
Personalisation will remain key, offering customisable pieces that resonate on a personal level. Mixed metals, statement pieces, and a resurgence of vintage influences are anticipated, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. Additionally, nature-inspired designs will continue to charm with motifs drawn from the natural world, reflecting a blend of contemporary aesthetics and organic beauty.
How do you see Simone Jewels evolving with ever-changing tastes and trends?
We will continue to innovate while staying true to our core values of craftsmanship, cultural inspiration, and sustainability. We plan to focus on design solutions for those on the go, emphasising the customer’s value of time, and on personalisation, offering bespoke services that let clients co-create one-of-a-kind pieces. By fostering creativity, adopting new technologies and prioritising sustainability, Simone Jewels aims to meet the expectations of our global clientele.
