6 reasons to check out Singapore International Jewelry Expo 2016 (and 1 way to get in as a VIP)

 6 reasons to check out Singapore International Jewelry Expo 2016 (and 1 way to get in as a VIP)

SINGAPORE - The Singapore International Jewelry Expo 2016 opens its doors next Thursday (July 21), and promises to be "larger than ever".

More than 200 jewellers from 25 countries will be bringing in exhibits worth over US$150 million (S$202 million) to dazzle the expected 15,000 visitors over the four days of the show.

We are pretty certain that - with so many gems - it'll be a dazzling affair. But what are the must-see pieces (and must-do things)?

1. S$3.5 million diamond

You might need your fashionable shades when viewing this 27-carat flawless round diamond that's priced at a cool S$3.5 million.

Also in the line-up of Ivy Masterpiece's Million Dollar Row is an 11-carat paraiba tourmaline with diamond ring.

2. Historic emerald pendant

A glittering - literally - piece of history will be visiting Singapore next week. This emerald pendant, carved and shaped by famed Italian jeweller Fortunato Pio Castellani in the 19th century, was reportedly a gift from Napoleon III to his lover, the Countess of Castiglione.

3. Priceless rubies

DeGem, which presented a huge 950-carat Burmese ruby at last year's show, will be showcasing more exceptional rubies this year. There is a masterpiece of a necklace featuring 33 pieces of certified natural, unheated Burma pigeon blood ruby totalling over 82 carats, and a 10-carat natural Burma ruby - a gem of such weight is so rare that its value is beyond any price tag.

4. Transforming jewellery

Imagine a ring that can become a bangle in a matter of seconds. Well, imagine no more, because several jewellers at the show will be showing off "transforming" jewellery, which also includes a ring that becomes a pair of earrings and candy rings that become pendants.

5. Pearl necklace and bracelet set

Nothing says "grace" better than pearls, and the golden pearl necklace and bracelet set from HODEL says it best. Made from South Sea golden pearls, the S$150,000 set will be quietly exuding grace at the Ivy Masterpiece booth.

6. Meet and learn from like-minded women

Apart from learning about jewellery from experts, show visitors can meet like-minded forward-thinking women at the show. Soul Rich Woman, a community of women working at "living more", will be giving a series of talks focusing on helping women make a better life for themselves.

The Singapore International Jewelry Expo 2016 will be at the Marina Bay Sands Singapore Expo & Convention Centre from Thursday, July 21, to Sunday, July 24. Doors open at 11.30am each day. The show ends at 8.30pm for the first three days, and at 7.30pm on the last day.

Admission to the show is free, visitors just have to submit a registration form and produce a photo-identity (like a driver's licence or passport) at the visitor counter.

There will be over 500 pieces of specially commissioned limited-edition jewellery on sale at the show; prices start at S$250.

Experts will be at the show to advise on investing in gemstones and jewellery.

Special offer for AsiaOne readers

The first 50 AsiaOne readers to sign up for the "Antioxidants and Anti-Ageing" talk by Ms Ketki Vinayachandra on Saturday (July 23) at 3pm will each get a free bio scan worth S$30 to read their level of antioxidants. Ms Vinayachandra is a naturopath, nutritionist, herbalist, and iridologist; she also practises acute homeopathy and is a certified Reiki Master.

Send an e-mail to sijepublicist.therainmaker@gmail.com to register for the talk, and remember to tell them you're an AsiaOne reader immediately in your e-mail.

Win VIP passes to Singapore International Jewelry Expo 2016

We have 20 pairs of VIP passes to give away to 20 lucky readers!

Winners get to participate in exclusive closed-door events that are strictly by-invitation only.

The grand opening on July 21 features a fashion show from 3pm to 5pm. VIP pass-holders are also invited to a special cocktail reception from 5pm to 7pm on July 22, and from 4pm to 6pm on July 23.

Besides these perks, invitees are allowed free access to the VIP lounge.

The first 20 readers to e-mail us will walk away with a pair of passes each!

Simply indicate your name, contact number and NRIC, with the subject "SIJE VIP passes giveaway", and send it to a1admin@sph.com.sg.

Contest ends July 19, and winners will be notified by July 20.

sinsh@sph.com.sg

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