Celebrate Singapore with Choo Yilin’s Peranakan Jewellery Collection

In honour of National Day, Fine Jeweller Choo Yilin gives a nod to Singapore’s babas and nyonyas with a new Peranakan Collection

Ever wonder what inspired Singapore’s gorgeously colourful shophouses and exquisite tiles? In case you didn’t already know mama, Peranakans are descendants of Straits-born Chinese whose ancestors have assimilated the Malay cultures of Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia when migrating from China. There is still a sizeable community of them in Singapore today and they’ve contributed significantly to the nation’s history.

Best known for modelling her award-winning jewellery brand’s aesthetic after classic, oriental styles as a form of preservation, Choo Yilin found that Singapore’s upcoming 51st birthday brought about a new enthusiasm while envisioning her latest collection of fine jewellery.

We love that she drew on the gorgeous pastel colour palettes found in the famous Peranakan shophouses in her heritage neighbourhood of Joo Chiat, while also taking inspiration from the flowers and intricate beadwork found in traditional Peranakan attire.

Choo Yilin’s Peranakan Collection comprises the Shophouse Collection and the Peranakan Flower Collection, the former inspired by the unique architecture of Peranakan shophouses and the latter by opulent traditional garments worn by Peranakan women. We seriously can’t take our eyes off these exquisite pieces, mama – each and every one of them looks like a work of art just waiting to be passed on as heirlooms.

The Peranakan Flower Collection draws inspiration from the Nyonya Kebaya, traditionally hand stitched and featuring exquisite lacework and embroidery that take a great deal of patience and devotion. Apparently this transfers over to the tedious process of making jewellery as well!

With rings, bracelets, pendant necklaces and dangly earrings, we can’t wait to get ourselves bedecked in sparkly camellias.

The Shophouse Collection is in part inspired by the intricate architecture of heritage-rich Joo Chiat, where Choo Yilin’s studio is located. The mellow shades in these handpicked gemstones are truly one-of-a-kind, mama – we can’t help but notice how vibrant they are, yet would match any outfit for just about any occasion.

To get first dibs on their Peranakan collection and the rest of the range, keep a lookout for their private sale announcements on Facebook, where you’ll be treated to different daily specials (pieces going for 50% off or more!) leading up to National Day. Available via registration only.

The Shophouse Collection by Choo Yilin is now available as an online exclusive collection, with price points ranging from $288 to $388 and bundle sets exclusive to the month of August. They will also be available for viewing and purchase in 9KT & 18KT Gold at the Choo Yilin Joo Chiat store. Prices for 9KT Gold will start from $1,188. 

The Peranakan Flower Collection by Choo Yilin will launch on 10 August 2016 with price points starting from $528.

Choo Yilin, Mandarin Gallery #02-23, 333A Orchard Road, Singapore 238897 (by appointment only), www.chooyilin.com