Simone Jewels
When it comes to jewellery, I love beautiful stones and thoughtful designs. Hence, it’s easy to understand why I appreciate Simone Jewels, which consistently presents collections that are aesthetically and technically strong. Some of the pieces I’ve collected through the years include a bangle featuring eight star sapphires and a sweet padparascha ring.
Naturally, when Simone invited me to help present Bombshell at a series of intimate soirees, I accepted without hesitation. In fact, I had the perfect necklace to wear for the first party, my tanzanite necklace that I had acquired from Simone last year.
Over high tea, my friends met the designer who unveiled her latest collection alongside some of her previous ones. We particularly liked this collar necklace with the Bombshell star motif, which matches the tsavorite brooch & chrome tourmaline bangle from Birds In Poetry.
Friends Who Are Gems
Something For Everyone
Another collection we adored from the Simone Jewels archives, was Quintessentially British, particularly the statement rings. Look how beautifully they photograph: On my hand is a beautiful unheated tanzanite ring, and on Sara-Ann’s is a rhodalite garnet. (By the way, I must credit her for styling this shot. There’s a clear reason why she’s the social media star, and I’m a nerdy doctor.)
Even Matthew, the elegant designer behind luxe menswear label Deboniere, found several bold pieces that appealed to him. In fact the three of us spent some time playing with Jouer, the sister line to Simone Jewels. As there were several personalities embodied in the different styles, we tried to figure out which we were: A rockstar? An ocean girl? Or an artist? Check out http://jouerbysimone.com/; which personality are you?
Sweet Surprise
Now, the inspiration of the Bombshell collection was Hedy Lamarr, a legendary filmstar famed for her beauty. Unbeknownst to many, she was also the inventor ultimately responsible for wifi, GPS and bluetooth.
In keeping with the theme, Simone put together a booklet celebrating modern leading ladies. One of the ladies in the book is Katerina Perez, an award-winning jewellery blogger. After she attended my talk Jeweluxe And The Fellowship Of The Ring last year, we exchanged messages and I felt greatly encouraged. Not only is she courageous & learned, but also nurturing, a true star! Another lady featured is Patty Denjaruwong, a Thai entrepreneur, whose motto is “Handmade, Heartmade”. And in a huge surprise, I found myself included in the pages of this book. I hadn’t expected this as there had been no hint from Simone or even a photoshoot. However, Simone had an artist draw our likeness and this portrait was our gift. I loved it.
Well I don’t know about being a leading lady but I do have many strong female friends whom I walk beside. We share many adventures together, get through tough times and celebrate good ones. And it’s this support system we all draw strength from, when our husbands are away, kids are ill or work hits a wall.
Nocturne
My Special Dates
On one of the evenings, I was proud to escort my junior doctors to the party. They also had a grand time at the Jouer counter where they tried customising a ring as a group activity. I was amused that the colors matched our SingHealth logo and we christened their ring the SingHealth swan.
Hidden Gems
When the models came by adorned with Bombshell jewels, we had a chance to study the collection up close. A statuesque model sashayed over, wearing a pendant featuring a cherub playing a harp. Embodying Hedy Lamarr’s secret genius and clever inventions, the pendant actually features a hidden music box. I tried winding it up and squealed when it played Chopin’s Nocturne. What a marvellous masterpiece. Even the ring that the model showed my resident features a blue spinel that slides along a track into different positions. We also tried some earrings that feature hidden gems that unfold to display various designs.
Over dinner, I had a great time with these young doctors. You know, they work very hard. Some are in the middle of their residency training in paediatrics or emergency medicine. It’s not easy to work full time while studying for tutorials and exams. Often, personal lives fall by the wayside. And I think that’s why I encourage them to come out for dinners and movies. It’s really just to say, hey it’s ok to take time off for yourself. I’m mighty grateful my fellow senior colleagues agree that it’s important to nurture a sense of wellness among the juniors. After all, they’re our diamonds in the rough, our hidden gems.
