JewelFest hopes to make Singapore a jewelry shopping destination
JewelFest hopes to make Singapore a jewelry shopping destination
Stevie Emilia, The Jakarta Post/Singapore
With its sparkle and shine, jewelry has long provided that extra
glitz for the fashion world. But now jewelry is stepping out on
its own and taking over center stage.
The opportunity to witness this transformation arrived with an
invitation for The Jakarta Post, and Dewi magazine, to cover the
Singapore JewelFest 2005, along with journalists from Japan,
Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Britain.
The event, which kicked off with Rhapsody at the Jewel
Pavilion outside Ngee Ann City, along the famed Orchard Road
shopping street, from Sept. 30 to Oct. 9, featured spectacular
displays of exquisite jewelry by iconic jewelers from Asia and
Europe. JewelFest then went to the heart of Singapore from Oct. 5
to Oct. 16 with the Jewel Wonderland at Parkway Parade.
"We want the Singapore JewelFest 2005 to be an alchemy of
fabulous experiences so that everyone has the best time, comes
away with fabulous memories and has a greater appreciation of the
fine art of jewelry," said Gina Wham, chairwoman of Singapore
JewelFest 2005.
"We have also strengthened our collaboration among ourselves
as Singaporean jewelers, and with international jewelers, to add
vibrancy to Singapore's jewelry retail scene. Offering greater
choice and value ultimately helps to define Singapore as a
jewelry shopping destination."
Singapore has for years been known as a great place to eat and
shop, and now it wants to establish itself as a leading jewelry
shopping destination.
"Jewelry has consistently been among the top three shopping
items purchased by visitors to Singapore since 2000, making
jewelry spending a key contributor to visitors' total shopping
expenditures," said Chan Tat Hon, assistant chief executive
(Leisure) of the Singapore Tourism Board.
First organized in October 2003 by five enterprising local
jewelers, the Singapore JewelFest has grown from a showcase of 31
brands in 2004 to an event involving over 100 jewelry brands from
Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Italy, Germany and
Switzerland.
More than 25,000 pieces of jewelry worth almost S$50 million
(US$31.2 million) were exhibited during Singapore JewelFest 2005,
organized by JewelFest Pte Ltd. and supported by the Singapore
Tourism Board. The annual festival, which is part of Singapore's
Premium Plus Season promotion, promotes jewelry appreciation and
the jewelry shopping experience.
"A key retail event in Singapore, the Singapore JewelFest
helps to reinforce Singapore's position as the leading jewelry
center in the region," Chan Tat Hon said.
For Vinod More, a gemologist and director of The Jewel Box,
the festival has become a great platform for some of the best
jewelers from Singapore and the region to present their goods.
"Singapore is a transit hub for a lot of international
travelers anyway. Why not offer them something other than
electronics or clothes. I think jewelry fits right in," he told
the Post. "Ultimately, a diamond is a girl's best friend, so
there's no reason why they shouldn't buy jewelry here in
Singapore."
i-box:
Premium Plus Season
Aiming to become the destination of choice for well-heeled
leisure visitors looking for exclusive and extraordinary
experiences, Singapore offers the Premium Plus Season promotion
where visitors will be spoiled for choice by the premium luxury
lifestyle and entertainment options available.
Apart from the recently concluded Singapore JewelFest 2005,
The Art of Dashi: Jewelry and Sculptures exhibition, the
ARTSingapore and Auctions Season, a diverse range of exclusive
lifestyle and entertainment events have been prepared for the
promotion, including:
Performances: Elaine Paige in Concert (Oct. 29, 2005); Crazy
Horse cabaret at Clarke Quay (from Dec. 5);
Shopping events: Singapore Fashion Festival (March 2006);
Private shows of Spring/Summer collections by fashion houses
(March/April 2006);
Gourmet events: World Gourmet Summit (April 2006);
Art events: ARTSingapore (April 2006); Auctions Season (April
2006), featuring the Sotheby's, Larasati & Borobodur auctions and
Christie's Preview.
An array of personalized, six-star services will be available
for visitors:
* Train: Eastern and Oriental Express (www.orient-
express.com); exclusive ride on a train for 132 passengers from
Singapore all the way to Bangkok in ultimate luxury, heralding
back to the days of the grand rail travel.
* Cruising: Ultraluxe suites-only butler-serviced liners from
international companies such as Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean
Cruises and Silversea Cruises make Singapore their port of call.
* Hotels: Raffles Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore,
Four Seasons Hotel; personalized butler and chef concierge
services as well as other special services, including private
fireworks displays.