Beauty queen Nadia: Jewelry as financial, creative investment

Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

For Nadia Mulya, a runner-up of the Miss Indonesia 2004 beauty pageant, jewelry is not merely an accessory worn to enhance a woman's external beauty, but is also a form of investment.

"I refer to the words of my parents. They say that jewelry is an investment," Nadia said after the recent launch of a haircare product at the Fashion Bar in Central Jakarta.

Nadia said that when she was younger and single, she often put her savings in a bank, but after she became married, she puts her money in jewelry -- mostly diamond or gold pieces.

According to her, she buys jewelry not only for her own interests, but also as a kind of investment for her future children.

Nadia, a Jakarta native in her mid-20s, said she started wearing jewelry when she was 17 years of age. "Before that, I was a little bit boyish," she said.

Holding out her hand, Nadia showed her wedding ring -- a simple piece in white gold -- and her earrings and necklace, also of simple designs. Nadia acknowledged that she preferred chunky yet plain jewelry.

Becoming a jewelry enthusiast does not mean Nadia only follows the current trend. Sometimes, she has a creative idea that she turns into a stunning piece of jewelry of her own design.

"I like to design jewelry myself. Anytime I have money, I go to the jewelry store and order a ring or necklace based on my own designs," said Nadia, who works as a presenter for an infotainment show at a private television station.

Asked whether she usually planned to shop or shopped regularly for jewelry, Nadia joked that she would love it if she could buy jewelry every day -- if she had the money, of course.

"For me, however, it is better to save money first, then purchase the best jewelry," she explained.

Following her crowning as a Miss Indonesia 2004 runner-up, Nadia has starred in Andai Engkau Tahu (If only you knew) and several other TV series.

Being crowned a runner-up also means that Nadia has responsibilities in promoting Indonesia in her capacity as Miss Indonesia for Tourism.

Aside from promoting tourism and acting in TV series, Nadia can also be seen, on occasion, as an emcee for high-end product launches -- perhaps sporting a piece of jewelry she has designed herself.