Angela Loh, CEO and Founder of UltraLuxe explains the resin behind this year’s theme of inspiring, indulge and invest: “It is a dream come true for me this year as the constellation of talents and passions in Singapore and from around the world partaking in the showcase this year will not only INSPIRE new concept of luxury styles and expressions but also INDULGE connoisseurs and collectors with experiences that tantalise their various senses as well as elevate their desire to INVEST in luxury for long term value preservation. This year, we are proud to present a curation of niche luxury that spans jewellery, watches, fashion, spirits, leisure and living that inspires, indulges and invests.”

As a festival of unparalleled opulence, UltraLuxe 2024 is divided into four distinct pillars: Jeweluxe, Homme, Advocacy, and DineLuxe. Each pillar offers a unique perspective on luxury, catering to the refined tastes of connoisseurs and collectors alike. At the heart of UltraLuxe 2024 is JeweLuxe, an exquisite showcase featuring gems valued at over 200 million dollars USD from independent jewellery houses and renowned designers. This segment serves as a testament to craftsmanship and artistry, offering collectors and connoisseurs exclusive access to iconic designs. According to Loh, CEO, “True luxury is not just about the price tag, but the story behind the piece. Independent designers bring unique creativity and passionate expressions to the world of style and sophisticated living, offering a niche luxury that sparks consciousness and connection.”

Highlights of JeweLuxe

Edition 1: 4-8 October 2024

THE PROTAGONIST

First inaugurated in 2014, The Protagonist is an internationally acclaimed exhibit that emphasizes mindful practices. This year, it marks its debut in Singapore after successful shows in New York City. Visitors can expect to see collections that embody responsibility, originality, and innovation, crafted from ethically sourced materials. Loh continues, “Successful independent brands have the heartware to deliver a consistently exceptional experience to an evolving and discerning audience who appreciate purpose, meaning, and fine taste.” The Protagonist not only highlights the beauty of jewellery but also shares the stories behind each piece, connecting attendees more deeply with the art of jewellery-making.

GEMAGICAL

Gemagical brings together the world’s most sought-after rare and unique gems, transforming them into stunning works of art. Celebrated jewellery houses from Asia, Europe, and the UAE will showcase audacious designs and innovative approaches to contemporary jewellery. Brands such as Alexander Laut, Autore and B.P. De Silva will present their finest works, merging traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Each piece on display tells a story—of its design inspiration, materials used, and the cultural significance behind it. This segment aims to elevate the appreciation of jewellery not merely as accessories, but as integral parts of personal history and cultural heritage.

MODERNISSIMO

Modernismo unites iconic European jewellery houses and designers in a celebration of creativity. Featuring talents like FOPE, Paolo Costagli, AKILLIS and rising stars from the European market, this segment showcases cutting-edge designs that challenge traditional norms. Attendees can expect jewellery that pushes creative boundaries while respecting classic craftsmanship. The exhibit epitomizes the fusion of traditional techniques with modern sensibilities, offering guests a chance to appreciate the versatility and adaptability of luxury jewellery in an ever-evolving market.

NOUVEAU ASIA

This segment spotlights the incredible talent emerging from Asia, focusing on local designers like 4928, Goi Jewellery and Summus Faye, who weave cultural narratives into their creations. Nouveau Asia celebrates the fusion of tradition and innovation, featuring pieces crafted with an ethos that resonates with modern-day values. Loh underscores the importance of this narrative, noting, “UltraLuxe is redefining the concept of niche luxury with an unwavering determination to foster an inclusive collaborative ecosystem.” This section will also include unique offerings from artisans in Taiwan and Bhutan, enriching the narrative of Asian luxury jewellery.

Edition 2: 9-13 October 2024

The second edition curation of JEWELUXE is focused on “ready to wear” jewellery for everyday styling.

STYLE INC

Displaying jewellery pieces that are fashion-forward and elevate everyday style into iconic statements. Look out for trending vintage house Bakhache (Australia) and fashion-conscious labels such as Faipo (HK), Kevork Khatcherian (Lebanon) and La Joie (Singapore) for every bling styling.

GLAMORA

A high-octane curated selection of jewellery from internationally renowned labels to iconic pieces by independent designers that have endured through time.

Enriching Experiences at UltraLuxe

UltraLuxe 2024 offers more than just stunning jewellery showcases; it also provides an array of enriching experiences designed to engage and inspire attendees. This year’s UltraLuxe proudly partners with CIMB Singapore, a leading ASEAN bank, as the official sponsor to present:

Advocacy Panel Discussions

The festival emphasizes collective insights through Advocacy panel discussions, hosted in partnership with CIMB Singapore, a leading ASEAN bank. These discussions will feature industry leaders sharing their experiences and insights on luxury, sustainability, and responsible indulgence. Loh notes that “fostering purpose through luxury will create lasting impressions and collaborations that resonate with today’s audience.” Topics will include the nuances of personal branding in today’s marketplace and the responsively shifting landscape of luxury consumerism. Participants will engage in meaningful conversations designed to provoke thought and inspire action.

The Ultimate LuxeScape

Partnering with CIMB Singapore, a leading ASEAN bank, and the official sponsor of the Ultimate LuxeScape, UltraLuxe presents an exclusive and immersive showcase of niche luxury for affluent individuals, this extraordinary experience takes guests on a journey through the realms of iconic jewellery, fashion, timepieces, and culinary delights. Divided into three captivating scapes—AsiaScape, VisionScape, and RareScape—each showcase offers a unique perspective on luxury. AsiaScape celebrates Asia’s style heritage from the founding years of Singapore, VisionScape celebrates the beauty of nature with art, and RareScape indulges the mind and palette, taking guests through an authentic haute
joaillerie bespoke experience paired with the appreciation of culinary rarities of Japanese fine beef and whiskey.

DineLuxe

Another highlight of the festival, DineLuxe, invites culinary enthusiasts to celebrate the art of fine dining through luxurious ingredients and culinary techniques. Emphasising “Purism in Culinary,” top chefs will present their interpretations of refined dining. Each culinary experience is carefully crafted to elevate traditional recipes with modern flair, allowing guests to savor exquisite flavors while indulging in the highest standards of service.

The Homme Experience

In addition to the unrivaled jewellery showcase, the festival presents Homme in Edition 2 (9-13 October 2024), exploring modern masculinity through curated showcases of timepieces, fashion, and lifestyle accessories. HOMME lifestyle social is an immersive Exploratorium featuring curated showcases of sophisticated and elevated living to satisfy the passions and interests of discerning modern men spanning timepieces, fashion and living style:

• Ultra Bar
• ChronoSphere
• StyleSphere
• LuxEscapade

Travel Experiences at UltraLuxe

UltraLuxe launches LuxEscapade for those seeking niche travel experiences, preluding with UltraLuxe festival itinerary for international visitors to enjoy red-carpet runway shows, high-profile networking events, and shopping experiences with over 120 international brands. More travel experiences exploring niche luxury and sophisticated living spanning countries, such as Italy, France, Indonesia and Thailand, will be unveiled at the festival.

The Future of Luxury

UltraLuxe 2024 serves as a cultural event that invites attendees to reflect on the intersection of luxury, creativity, and sustainability. With its emphasis on ethical consumption and artistic integrity, the festival encourages visitors to consider the broader implications of their luxury choices and engage with brands that align with their values. Angela Loh’s vision for UltraLuxe underscores the transformative power of luxury that transcends mere consumption: “At UltraLuxe, we aim to harness the attention of and engage with a global community of supporters and collectors.” This vision pushes for a collective journey towards a more conscious and purpose-driven understanding ofluxury. Don’t miss your chance to experience UltraLuxe 2024, where the art of living beautifully awaits! Mark your calendars for this captivating festival that promises to inspire, indulge, and invest—where every moment spent is a testament to the beauty and innovation defining the luxury of today and tomorrow. Join us for this celebration of creativity and craftsmanship and embark on a journey toward a new era of refined living.

Exclusive Giveaway: 10 complimentary VIP passes worth $500 each to be won! Be the first 10 readers to register here and comment “Champagne Gem” in the form submission to qualify.

One of the hallmarks of The Diamond Guild Australia is its steadfast commitment to using only natural diamonds. The guild firmly believes that the beauty and authenticity of natural diamonds cannot be replicated. Their unwavering stance against synthetic diamonds reinforces their dedication to preserving the allure of nature’s creations. This ensures that consumers can trust DGA members to provide them with the highest quality and most genuine gemstones, allowing them to cherish their jewellery for generations to come.

On the topic of natural diamonds, J Farren-Price a DGA member emphasised  that they do not support the sale of lab grown diamonds to our high-end customer base. We have seen how their value keeps falling and do not believe we are doing our clients a favour by promoting them. For sure there is a market and client for lab grown, it is just not a sector we focus on.

Membership in The Diamond Guild Australia is an exclusive privilege, and the selection process is nothing short of meticulous. Potential members are evaluated not only on their technical expertise but also on their commitment to ethical and sustainable practices, use of only natural diamonds as well as their contribution to the industry. The guild’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards ensures that its members are a select group of reputable jewellers who uphold the legacy of Australian jewelry craftsmanship.

Berj Ohannessian confirms that being a member of the Guild has helped enhance customer confidence even further in their brand, BERJANI!

 

J Farren-Price second that and mentions Members of the guild have a reputation for integrity and have set a benchmark for quality and ethics in the sale of diamonds. J Farren- Price have and always will, stand by these values and our loyal clientele who have supported us for decades is a testament to how we are perceived in this competitive local market. Through our exceptional attention to detail and unwavering commitment to providing quality jewellery to last a lifetime, this is the reputation that we have built over 80 years as a family-owned business.

The guild boasts a stellar roster of current members, each representing the pinnacle of jewelry craftsmanship in Australia. These members are the driving force behind the guild’s mission to elevate the Australian jewelry industry on the global stage. Their commitment to excellence is evident in the exquisite pieces they create. Here is a complete list of Diamond Guild Australia:

BERJANI | BRETT’S JEWELLERS | CALLEIJA | CREATIONS JEWELLERS | HOGANS FAMILY JEWELLERS | HOLDWOTH BROS JEWELLERS | J FARREN -PRICE | JAMES THREDGOLD JEWELLER | JEFF EINSTEIN | LINNEYS | MONDIAL PINK DIAMOND ATELIER | MUSSON JEWELLERS| MATTHEW ELY | PERCY MARKS | ROHAN JEWELLERS | STEPHEN DIBB JEWELLERY | TREWARNE FINE JEWELLERY |

Celebrating Excellence: Jewelry Awards

One of the most anticipated events in the world of Australian jewelry is the biannual Jewelry Awards hosted by The Diamond Guild Australia. These awards celebrate the creativity, innovation, and technical skill of jewellers who create stunning pieces using natural diamonds. Winning a Diamond Guild award is a mark of distinction and a testament to an artisan’s dedication to their craft. The DGA’s jewellery awards not only celebrate the talent within the Australian jewellery industry but also serve as a platform to promote the beauty and value of natural diamonds. By exclusively recognizing pieces made with natural diamonds, the DGA reinforces the importance of these precious gemstones and encourages consumers to appreciate their unique qualities. The last Jewellery Award was held in 2018 and after five years of hiatus due to COVID-19 finally the most anticipated Jewellery Awards returned in 2023.

Jeff Einstein was hoping to see a new refreshing style of designs in this year’s DGA awards, as emerging and existing talent possibly didn’t have as many opportunities to enter competitions, and over the past few years have been able to explore new designs and techniques.

 

Olivar Musson also adds that the excitement surrounding these awards is palpable. Designers all over Australia have been preparing to unleash their creativity in the most prestigious diamond design awards in Australia. I know at Musson, we have been developing concepts for years that we are ready to present in these awards with the goal of winning the Supreme Award for a third time.

The DGA’s jewellery awards are renowned for their rigorous judging process, ensuring that only the most deserving pieces are recognized and celebrated. A panel of esteemed industry experts, including renowned jewellers, gemologists, and designers, carefully evaluate each submission based on criteria such as design, craftsmanship, use of materials, and overall aesthetic appeal. This ensures that the awards maintain a high standard of excellence and provide a platform for exceptional talent to shine. For 2023 Jewellery Awards I was honoured to be part of the judging panel along with Karlie Ungar Creative Director of CARLA ZAMPATTI, Dr Brandon Gien CEO of GOOD DESIGN AUSTRALIA and Lester Brand Managing Director of LESTER BRAND JEWELLERY.

The award ceremony was held on October 24th at The Langham Gold Coast, an invigorating and glamorous evening that brought together industry leaders to celebrate their craft and most exceptional creations.  The winners of each category were announced, and their exceptional pieces were showcased, allowing attendees to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship up close.

Here are the categories including finalists and winners:

“WINNER OF EVERYDAY DIAMONDS CATEGORY”

TROIS by Robert Musson of Musson Jewellers

-FINALIST OF EVERYDAY DIAMOND CATEGORY-

GLISTENING LAGOON by Natalie Alegria of Creations Jewellers Canberra

“WINNER OF DIAMONDS FOR MEN CATEGORY”

VELOCITA by Chantelle Green & Andrew Want of Calleija

-FINALIST OF DIAMONDS FOR MEN CATEGORY-

DIAMOND METROPOLIS by Cassandra Nitschke of Bell And Brunt Jewellers

“WINNER OF RED CARPET CATEGORY”

BLOOM by Robert Musson of Musson Jewellers

Olivar Musson, Creative Director of Musson Jewellers explains on the creative process of designing a piece: I believe a winning design must be striking and challenging on first impression. I achieve this by striving for innovation in setting. Creating a new technique to secure the diamond to enhance its brilliance and shape is my starting point. I then sculpt the rest of the piece around that. This process ensures the design is both innovative and unique.  Robert Musson, founder of Musson Jewellers, and Olivar’s father won two categories at the Jewellery Awards 2023.

-FINALIST FOR RED CARPET CATEGORY-

CALLISTEMON by Berj Ohanessian of Berjani Jewellers 

-FINALIST FOR RED CARPET CATEGORY-

PEACOCK by Jeff Einstein of Jeff Einstein Jewellery

“WINNER OF DESIGN FOR DIAMOND”

ORIONID by Alain Anson of Stephen Dibb Jewellery

-FINALIST FOR DESIGN FOR DIAMONDS CATEGORY-

LE RUBAN D’OR by Louis Dauxais of Matthew Ely Jewellery

“WINNER FANCY COLOURED DIAMONDS CATEGORY”

THE KALEIDOSCOPE by Nadia Neuman and Burt Muller of Mondial Pink Diamond Atelier

Nadia Neuman, founder of Mondial by Nadia and winner of Fancy Colour Diamond category as well as the winner of Supreme Award mentions that her inspiration always comes from the gemstone itself and then it’s the story I want to tell through the creation we make. Its finding a uniquely beautiful stone and figuring out how best to convey what makes it so special. It’s the unique colour or shape or feeling of a particular stone that inspires the theme of the piece. If were using a selection of stones, its what those stones say as a collection; the variety, the rarity and what they create together that sparks an idea. When entering a competition, I’ve never considered what’s traditional. There are certain rules that we know work through experience, there are tones and hues when combined that bring out the best in gemstones or add contrast. There are certain styles of setting and textures of gold that make a piece look contemporary or of an era but other than those things the most exciting part about entering a competition is that there are very few boundaries. The creation process is all consuming and very exciting. Once we’ve decided on the stone and I have a clearer idea of what we want to say, there is inspiration everywhere and that’s how the creation evolves. With regards to creating something unique, it’s a moment when I get to create something that I personally love. That’s what makes it unique. It’s a particular style and taste and combination of stones, metals and ideas that make sense to me personally.

-FINALIST FOR FANCY COLOURED DIAMONDS CATEGORY-

ECLOSION by Ben Preston Black and Rowan Thin-Smith of Creations Jewellers Canberra

-FINALIST FOR FANCY COLOURED DIAMONDS CATEGORY-

SUMMERTIME SUNSET by Travis Terwarne of Trewarne Fine Diamonds

“WINNER OF SOLITAIRE DIAMONDS CATEGORY”

ORSAY by Benjamin Tracy of Finelines Jewellers

-FINALIST OF SOLITAIRE DIAMOND CATEGORY-

TEARS OF JOY by Travis Terwarne of Trewarne Fine Diamonds

“WINNER OF SUPREME AWARD”

THE KALEIDOSCOPE by Nadia Neuman and Burt Muller of Mondial Pink Diamond Atelier

“WINNER OF PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD”

ORIONID by Alain Anson of Stephen Dibb Jewellery

It was a privilege to be part of sponsors of the event along with following brands and being on the esteemed judging panel of Jewellery Awards 2023, I am grateful to The Diamond Guild Australia for their trust in me and my social media platforms. Congratulations to all the entrants, each submitted piece was beyond expectations and displayed pure talent and strong craftmanship.