Author: Ruchi Singla

A case involving the disappearance of a Singapore couple’s jewellery valued at over $22,000 from a luxury hotel in Bangkok has captured the attention of law enforcement and the jewellery industry. The missing items, including three diamond rings—one being a Tiffany wedding ring—and a bracelet, were reportedly lost during the check-out process at a hotel in the KlongToey district on 2 November. Timeline of Events According to the complainant, the jewellery was last seen in the hotel room’s bathroom around 2:00 p.m. on the day the couple checked out. Her Singaporean husband recounted that at 2:40 p.m., he went to…

Two Chinese nationals, Long Zhihua, 38, and Luo Changchang, 44, have admitted to breaking into a residence in Singapore’s Windsor Park Road area and stealing jewellery worth approximately S$570,000 (US$422,000). Both individuals are linked to a larger criminal syndicate targeting private estates in Singapore. Details of the Break-In The incident occurred on 21 June 2023, when the duo identified a house with no visible lights and scaled a metre-high wall fence. Once inside, they forced open a glass door to access the victim’s bedroom, using a torch to search for valuables. They carefully replaced the drawers to conceal signs of…

Ng Yu Zhi, a businessman in Singapore, is currently on trial for allegedly orchestrating a $1.46 billion nickel trading scam. Prosecutors claim that his companies, Envy Asset Management and Envy Global Trading, misled investors with false promises of profits from physical nickel trading. Instead, earlier investors were paid with funds from newer investors, while Ng allegedly misappropriated large sums to finance an extravagant lifestyle. The charges against Ng include cheating, forgery, fraudulent trading, money laundering, and criminal breach of trust, totalling 42 counts. An additional 66 charges are temporarily stood down. High-Value Jewellery Purchases Ng reportedly spent $18.3 million on…

Mustafa Jewellery in Singapore has awarded a S$1.35 million prize as part of its “Million Dollar Grand Draw.” The event, held on 24 November at the Civil Service Club @ Tessensohn, marked the conclusion of a 14-month campaign designed to reward its loyal customers. Monthly and Annual Lucky Draws Mustafa Jewellery has hosted monthly giveaways over the past 14 months, offering one winner US$5,000 (approximately S$6,734) each time. The campaign concluded with the “Million Dollar Grand Draw,” open to customers who spent at least S$250 during the promotional period. A Project Engineer Claims the Grand Prize Balasubramanian Chithambaram, a civil…

Kim Heng Jewellers and Goldsmiths, a long-standing jewellery business based at People’s Park Complex in Singapore, has been fined S$35,000 under the Precious Stones and Precious Metals (Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing) Act. The fine follows the retailer’s failure to perform mandated customer due diligence (CDD) in transactions involving over S$313,000, of which more than S$140,000 originated from malware scam victims. This is the first prosecution under the 2019 legislation addressing money laundering and terrorism financing risks in the precious stones and metals sector. Background of the Case The Precious Stones and Precious Metals Act was enacted to…

SHINCA, a Japanese lab-grown diamond jewellery brand, will hold its first pop-up event in Singapore from 28 November to 1 December 2024. The event coincides with the fifth anniversary of the IMAYO store at Isetan Scotts. The pop-up will present a variety of jewellery collections, including coloured lab-grown diamonds. Displays will provide information on lab-grown diamond technology and how it differs from natural diamonds, with experts available to offer guidance. The event will feature several highlights at the IMAYO Isetan Scotts store: The first 50 customers who make a purchase will receive a SHINCA-branded mirror. Isetan Privilege members will also…

L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, supported by Van Cleef & Arpels, has launched its first exhibition in Singapore, titled ‘Ruby, Discover the Gemstones’.  Running from 29th July to 20th October 2024 at Les Jardins Secrets by Van Cleef & Arpels in Raffles Hotel Singapore, the exhibition is part of the institution’s ‘Discover the Gemstones’ series. It examines the journey of rubies, from their geological formation to their transformation into finished jewellery, providing jewellers and gemologists with insights into this well-known gemstone. Focus on Rubies: A Gemological Journey The exhibition provides an in-depth look into the natural state of rubies and…

Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, has announced the appointment of Gabriela Ferreira as a key leader in their global expansion strategy.  Ferreira, who previously held a leadership role at luxury fashion brand Loewe, will be responsible for spearheading the company’s growth in Southeast Asia and other international markets. Key Appointment to Strengthen Global Presence Ferreira’s appointment is a strategic move for Chow Tai Fook, which aims to diversify its consumer base by expanding beyond its traditional gold jewellery offerings. As the new head of international operations, Ferreira will focus on enhancing the brand’s desirability among luxury shoppers. According to the…

Michael Raj, a 48-year-old taxi driver, has been sentenced to one year and five months in jail after admitting to multiple theft charges. Raj stole three Rolex watches worth over $200,000 from passengers who fell asleep in his taxi and 13 sets of jewellery valued at nearly $43,400 from his 70-year-old mother. Theft from Mother Raj’s criminal activities began between May and June 2021 when he stole his mother’s jewellery. Deputy Public Prosecutor Tan Shi Yun clarified, “This was not a case of a careless victim who left her valuables lying around in the open. The victim’s (valuables) were locked…

Singapore has taken a significant step in strengthening its trade relations with Italy by hosting the first dedicated Italian Pavilion at the 19th edition of the Singapore International Jewelry Expo (SIJE) 2024.  The event, held at the Sands Expo Convention Centre in Marina Bay Sands, was organised by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Opening Ceremony and Key Figures The opening ceremony featured prominent figures including Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth; His Excellency Mr Dante Brandi,…

The Singapore International Jewelry Expo (SIJE) 2024 concluded successfully on 14 July, solidifying its reputation as a premier event in the global jewellery calendar. Held at the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, the four-day event from 11 to 14 July showcased an extensive array of jewellery, gemstones, and luxury timepieces, attracting significant participation from both exhibitors and attendees. With over 335 brands from 30 countries and jewellery valued at over USD 250 million, SIJE 2024 underscored Singapore’s pivotal role in the international jewellery industry. Prestigious Inauguration The SIJE 2024 was officially inaugurated by Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State, Ministry of…

The Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) has launched its inaugural #SGJewelleryNow exhibition, showcasing contemporary Singaporean jewellery design.  Following the conclusion of the #SGFashionNow exhibition, which highlighted local fashion designers, ACM now focuses on our nation’s jewellery artisans. This exhibition runs from June 27 to September 1, and admission is free. Highlighting Singaporean Jewellery Design #SGJewelleryNow features six pieces from three Singaporean designers and jewellery houses: Edmond Chin, State Property, and Foundation Jewellers. Each designer presents works that reinterpret Southeast Asian heritage and demonstrate their craftsmanship. Kennie Ting, outgoing director of ACM and the Peranakan Museum, commented on the new exhibition. “With…

French luxury jewellery brand FRED has inaugurated its first Malaysian store, located on the ground floor of Seibu The Exchange TRX.  Known for its audacious and innovative designs, FRED was founded in Paris in 1936 by Fred Samuel and now operates over 50 stores globally, including outlets in 30 countries. Store Design and Product Range The newly opened store features a modern design with wide glass windows, gold and white decor, and central blue display shelves. This setting provides the backdrop for FRED’s extensive product range, including the latest addition to their collection, the Pretty Woman Sunlight Message necklaces. Pretty…

Bulgari recently hosted a high-profile trunk show at The Singapore Edition hotel. Held over a weekend in March, the event showcased an extensive selection of the brand’s high jewellery and luxury watches. The gathering, intended for select clients and media representatives, provided an up-close look at Bulgari’s commitment to fine craftsmanship and artistic design. Key Highlights from the Event Emerald Venus Necklace The Emerald Venus necklace, priced at $6,684,000, is a notable piece inspired by Venus, the Roman goddess of beauty. This design mimics the flowing form of the Capelvenere plant, often called “Venus’ hair”, and combines emerald beads with…

On March 25, Poh Heng Jewellery, a well-established jewellery retailer in Singapore experienced a data breach where customer information was accessed without authorisation. The company is actively addressing the situation to enhance their security measures and safeguard customer data. Details of the Incident The breach targeted the names, telephone numbers, email addresses, and additional personal details such as birthdays, usernames, and countries of residence of Poh Heng customers. However, the company confirmed that no payment card details were compromised, as such information is not retained by them. Importantly, user passwords were also not accessed during the breach. Eugene Goh, the…

Kim Heng Jewellers & Goldsmiths, located at People’s Park Complex in Chinatown, has been formally charged with three counts of failing to conduct mandatory customer due-diligence measures. This legal action comes after investigations linked over $313,000 from their sales proceeds to potential money laundering activities. The transactions in question involved high-value gold items and took place between September and October 2023. Details of the Charges The police and the Ministry of Law (MinLaw) highlighted that the charges were precipitated by reports of phishing scams that targeted Android users, leading to unauthorised bank transactions. Subsequently, the illicit funds were traced to…

The World Gold Council (WGC) and the Singapore Bullion Market Association (SBMA) have announced an initiative aimed at transforming Singapore into a leading gold hub in Asia. This collaboration aims to leverage the region’s growing influence in the global gold market and enhance the city’s role in bullion trading. Asia’s Rising Influence in Gold Market Chen Qinghan, the Central Banks and Public Policy Lead at the WGC, emphasized the shift in the gold market towards Asia due to the region’s substantial increase in gold buying. “The rapid rise of Asia as the largest source of gold buying has moved the…

In a significant consumer rights case that has captured widespread attention, Rogelio Villarreal, a 27-year-old doctor from Tamaulipas, Mexico, successfully purchased a pair of rose-gold, diamond-studded earrings valued at over $19,000 for just $19 due to a pricing error on Cartier’s website.  This unusual transaction has spotlighted the enforcement of consumer protection laws in Mexico and their implications for international luxury retailers. Incident Details The earrings, typically priced at 237,000 Mexican pesos, were mistakenly listed for 237 pesos. Villarreal, intrigued by the drastic price difference while browsing through a social media advertisement, proceeded with the purchase. Upon realisation of the…

In February, Singapore’s retail sector recorded an 8.4% increase in sales compared to the previous year, attributed primarily to the Chinese New Year (CNY) festivities and a rise in tourist arrivals. Sales reached S$3.9 billion, with the Department of Statistics (SingStat) noting a continuation of the positive trend from January’s 1.6% growth. Tourism’s Role in Retail Growth The Chinese New Year period and the introduction of a 30-day visa-free travel policy for Chinese tourists from February 9 significantly contributed to the sales increase. This policy change helped China surpass Indonesia as the top source of tourists to Singapore, with Chinese…

A recent court ruling has highlighted a grave concern for individuals and professionals within the jewellery industry. A maid, identified only as Sumarmi, has been sentenced to 14 months in jail for stealing 59 pieces of jewellery from her employer’s home, which she subsequently pawned for over $23,000. Sumarmi, an Indonesian national who had been employed by the victim’s family for over a decade, also took more than $10,000 in cash, including various foreign currencies. Legal Proceedings and Sentencing Sumarmi faced charges under two counts of theft in dwelling and one under the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes…

In a revealing examination of the financial strategies employed by foreign domestic workers in Singapore, attention has been drawn to the practices of certain jewellery stores in Lucky Plaza. These stores have been offering gold jewellery on installment plans with no upfront payment, a scheme that has led to unintended financial burdens for some workers. The Scheme Unveiled A total of 39 jewellery shops span the seven storeys of Lucky Plaza, with some advertising “$0 down payment” deals in Tagalog, signaling directly to the Filipino community. These deals allow foreign domestic workers to purchase gold jewellery without an initial deposit,…

The Singapore Jewellers Association (SJA) has announced the return of the Singapore Jewellery Design Award (SJDA), a cornerstone event celebrating the intricate art of jewellery design and innovation. This event, in partnership with the Jewellery Design & Management International School (JDMIS) and IEG Asia, is set to redefine the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship in the industry. Bridging Tradition and Innovation The SJDA, with a history spanning more than ten years, is offering three categories in this year’s event: ‘Jewellery Without Limits’, ‘Fresh Facets’, and ‘Exquisite AI’. These categories are established to accommodate a wide range of participants, from experienced…