Foundation Jewellers
Singapore, 2023
Gold, diamonds

The design of this brooch interprets a kerosang (fastener), typically worn in sets of three to secure a baju panjang (knee-length open jacket). Sixty-one diamonds are arranged in a densely patterned floral spray to evoke the plumage of a bird-of-paradise. It was designed by Thomis Kwan and made by Lim Teck Ngian, one of the atelier’s craftsmen. A brooch of the same design was presented by Tony Tan, former president of Singapore, to Queen Elizabeth II for her Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

Gift of Foundation Jewellers

Edmond Chin
Hong Kong, 2019
Gold, diamonds

Taka pendants are worn by the Ngada people of central Flores in East Indonesia. Here, Chin has repeated and inverted the characteristic double-axed motif to create a broad collar of triangular shapes. Unlike the pendants from Flores, which are hammered out of a single piece of gold, elements on this necklace were cast from wax.

On loan from Edmond Chin

Foundation Jewellers
Singapore, 2016
Rose gold, tourmaline, rubellite

Lee Kuan Chuan created this spiral ring from a cucuk sanggul (hair pin) made by Lim Foon Yan in 2005. Hairpins like this are typically worn by Peranakan women to secure their tightly coiled hair buns. Designed to be functional, the ring bends with the curve of the wearer’s finger. It is the first of eight versions of the design. The repurposing of the hair pin is a reference to the owner’s Peranakan heritage.

On loan from Quay Keng Wah