Singapore - The SIJE, which began last Thursday and ran till Sunday, is the largest jewellery show in Singapore ever, in terms of the number of exhibitors.
It boasts more than 220 exhibitors from more than 25 countries across 7,700 sq m of exhibition space.
DeGem from Malaysia and Zydo and Maria Greca, both from Italy, are among the big jewellery brands taking part at the event at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre Halls A and B. The exhibition was also expected to bring in 15,000 visitors, comprising consumers and members of the trade, such as buyers and retailers.
A spokesman for the event's organisers, Conference and Exhibitions Management Services (Cems), says this was the first in the SIJE series, which was aimed at promoting Singapore as a regional hub for fine jewellery design and rare gemstones.
Cems previously co-organised the Singapore International Jewellery Show (SIJS), which ran from 2005 to last year.
Singapore Jewellers Association (SJA), the other organiser of the SIJS, did not participate in the SIJE. However, Cems declined to reveal why the SIJS was discontinued and SJA was unavailable for comment.
The highlight of the SIJE was a rare tanzanite worth more than $1 million.
Showcased by DeGem, the violet-blue gem weighs in at 118 carats and is the largest natural tanzanite ever showcased in South-east Asia, according to the organisers.
They also noted that tanzanites are 1,000 times rarer than diamonds. There was also a lucky draw with the grand prize of a $20,000 pair of natural spinel-and-diamond earrings from DeGem.
The SIJE, however, is not the only big event on Singapore's jewellery calendar this year. The annual Singapore JewelFest will be returning for its 11th edition later this year.
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10 SHOW-STOPPERS TO CHECK OUT
This cushion-shaped, 107-carat champagne-coloured diamond is from luxe Malaysian jeweller DeGem. It is certified by the Gemological Institute of America as having a very good clarity of VVS2.
Price: US$4 million (S$5.08 million)
Set in 18k yellow gold, this ring from Singapore jeweller Caratell Diamonds also features a 6.75-carat non-heated Burmese Star Ruby.
Price: $109,000
This pair of earrings from Italian jeweller Zydo features a total of 18.69 carats of pear, marquise and round diamonds.
Price unavailable
This white gold necklace with aquamarines totalling 150 carats Is from Italian brand Maria Greca and is presented by local dealer Famosi Singapore.
Price: $43,350
Made of 18k white and yellow gold, this necklace, inspired by a graceful dragon soaring through the sky, features yellow diamonds as the dragon's eyes. Named Althea, this majestic piece was made by Malaysian-Singaporean jeweller La Putri to commemorate its 40th anniversary this year.
Price: $168,000
Called Majestic Dahlia, this pair of earrings is from Singapore-based Simone Jewels' Hanging Gardens of Babylon collection. It is crafted in 18k white gold and features two blue sapphires totalling 6.88 carats, as well as diamonds.
Price: $38,000
This 18k gold ring from home-grown jeweller Yuli Fine Jewellery features a bright orange 29.78-carat garnet among diamond petals.
Price: $35,000
From Italian jeweller Maskada, this ring of baguette diamonds, from the brand's Art Of Baguette collection, is presented by local company Zenith Affair.
Price: $28,000
This intricate mesh bracelet by local brand Joon required more than 5,000 soldered connections to create its seamless look. It is made of 18k yellow gold and features 21.4 carats of white diamonds.
Price: $128,000
This orchid bracelet from Italian jeweller, Italbest, is made of 18k rose gold as well as pink sapphires and diamonds.
Price: $33,000
Photos: Jack Goh, Plush, Degem, Simone Jewels, La Putri, Italbeast, Yuli Fine Jewellery, Zydo, Joon, Caratell Diamonds
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