Have you ever wondered what 600 cts of Colombian emeralds would look like? There is no need to schedule a private viewing with a jeweller. Just stroll into the D&A Jewellery flagship boutique at Ion Orchard and marvel at what may be the most impressive public display in Singapore of Colombia’s most famous export.
Photo: D&A Jewellery.
This is a subtle way of showcasing the stock Israeli sisters Daria and Anna Ginsburg bring to the velvet table. Their jewellery, frequently set with rare coloured stones of impeccable quality, was previously available only through their website, Instagram and online marketplace 1stDibs. Their new home is on the mall’s third level in a 93 sqm space.
As a result of their global clientele, the Ginsburgs found Singapore to be an easy choice for their first physical retail location. They wrote in an e-mail interview after the boutique’s opening in February that Singapore provided an excellent opportunity for the brand to grow and reach out to the Asian region.
“Furthermore, the city is known for its safety and comfort, which makes it an ideal location. Last but not least, the people here are not only friendly but beautiful as well.”
To succeed in a business that sells opulent wearables, one must appreciate beauty. Growing up surrounded by objects that glistened and sparkled, it was natural for the sisters to want to carry that splendour into adulthood. Following in the footsteps of their father, who owned a jewellery manufacturing business, they trained as gemmologists and entered the gemstone wholesale business 12 years ago.
As soon as they realised that that was not enough, they established their gem-cutting factory to oversee the entire process of transforming rough stones into stunning jewels. Their inspiration finally led them to start D&A Jewellery in 2016.
The Ginsburgs source fair trade, conflict-free stones from dealers in Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Israel, Colombia, Brazil, and more. Together they transform everything from spinels to sapphires into one-off creations, commissions, and capsule collections inspired by the world around them and the people they meet. The stones lead the design process. “We travel extensively across the globe to seek out the finest gems and, upon seeing them, we already have a clear idea of how to set them,” they said. “We believe the gemstone should be the one who speaks to us, guiding us to the most suitable way to set it. It may sound a bit strange, but it’s true.”
Photo: D&A Jewellery.
D&A Jewellery isn’t restricted by a house style, which allows for the kind of freedom and unpredictability that only independent jewellers can enjoy. The Lotus Collection, led by pink and Padparadscha sapphires, is soft and feminine, while the Motion Collection is marketed—with the help of TikTok dance star Ten Yujin—as more gender- neutral, with an emphasis on modern and geometric designs.
All their pieces are crafted in 18k gold or platinum, as the Ginsburgs feel that less conventional materials might be too young for their current demographic. Most of their clients are women over 35 who appreciate themselves, but they would love to see their pieces worn by everyone. “Seeing people’s eyes shining with happiness whenever they wear our jewellery is the most rewarding part of our job.”
The sisters will continue working on their high jewellery collection, set to launch in October, now that they have settled into Ion Orchard. The collection will focus on top-quality gemstones, unique designs, and plenty of diamonds, they teased.
“Rather than just art, our jewellery represents nature’s art. We want our customers to experience and revel in the beauty and wonder of it all.”
