MUS Zenith Affair (MUS.za) kicks off its fifth year of fund-raising for Dementia Singapore with Gems From The Heart. The homegrown jeweller recently revealed an exclusive collection of the same name, which features five outstanding guest designers.
They include MUS.za chief designer Christine Yip; mtm labo MD Kelly Keak; homemaker Patricia Kaunang; philanthropist Tai-Heng Cheng; and private investor Wendy Long.
Esther Ho, who founded MUS.za in 2005, says, “Each guest designer offers a distinct and enriching perspective on this year’s theme, Gems From The Heart, and contributes to the rich tapestry of our fundraiser.”
“Open Heart” Brooch, designed by Christine Yip, chief designer, MUS.za
Having brought many designs to life for clients of MUS.za, Christine’s stunning creation is crafted with matte yellow and white gold – with diamonds embedded, no less.
When worn on the chest, the arrow points downwards towards the heart. It reminds everyone to be open-hearted and to be happy, harking back to the double meanings of the Chinese word. It also expresses her hope that others extend compassion and support to those in need, and take action to make a difference.
The “Open Heart” brooch retails at $35,000.
“Brighter Hearts” Collection, designed by Kelly Keak, managing director, mtm labo
Genuine beauty emanates from within, and Kelly believes that people shine brightest when their hearts are filled with good intentions. That’s why she cherishes opportunities to make others feel loved and confident.
Kelly drew on her relationship with her family to design the necklace and earrings for this collection. Both feature three sections of diamonds, each representing a generation of her family members. These sparkling layers end in a “heart of gold”, or a heart-shaped diamond set on a base of gold.
The “Brighter Hearts: earrings and necklace retail at $6,800 and $10,000 respectively.
“Finger Heart” Brooch, designed by Patricia Kaunang, homemaker
Patricia, or “Patty” to her chums, conceived this brooch that doubles as a pendant.
With the Korean “finger heart” gesture as its key motif, this dainty darling encapsulates the people and places Patty holds close. The nature lover also chose gems – turquoise, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and diamonds – to represent mountains, oceans and lush vegetation.
The “Finger Heart” brooch retails at $18,000.
“Nails and Souls” Collection, designed by Tai-Heng Cheng, philanthropist
Tai-Heng, a trustee of the Frick Collection and board member at the Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of Asian Art, has lost a loved one to dementia. That’s why he accepted this invitation to support the cause.
His collection comprises a bracelet, ring, and lapel pin, and explores the contradictions of love: tenderness and aggression, and jealousy and selflessness. Tai-Heng referenced the “weight of a human soul” – widely believed as 21g – and married it with the concept of binding for his oh-so-cool creations.
The bracelet comes with a 2.1-ct tourmaline locked by cross bindings and pierced at both ends by nails for a combined weight of nearly 21g. Meanwhile, within the ring hides a diamond – simply turn the screws on the lid to reveal it. Finally, there is a nail-shaped lapel pin of rose gold to be worn at an angle to aim at your own heart.
The “Nails and Souls” bracelet, ring and lapel pin retail at $11,500, $8,800 and $6,900 respectively.
“On Point” Collection, designed by Wendy Long, private investor
A heart struck by Cupid’s arrow – with this vision in mind, Wendy created an eye-catching collection comprising ring, brooch and earrings.
A private investor who enjoys expressing herself artistically through crafts, Wendy says she was touched by Esther’s dedication to support the beneficiaries of Dementia Singapore. So she decided to join the cause.
You can’t miss a ring as playful as this one, where the arrow winds and wraps around your finger – and eventually finds its way to your heart. And where the heart is, there lies a generous cut of gorgeous carnelian.
The “On Point” ring, brooch and earrings retail at $12,900, $5,500, and $5,000 respectively.
IN MEMORY OF HER MOTHER
It was Esther who launched the first fund-raising campaign for Dementia Singapore in 2020, in the midst of COVID-19.
Having cared for her mother who had dementia until her passing in 2019, Ho wanted to garner support for those with the condition, as well as their caregivers who struggled with challenges.
And she’s not stopping just yet. For this year, she aims to raise $300,000 – it would bring her total funds raised to $1 million over 5 years. The money helps to support Dementia Singapore in their programmes, studies, and services to engage persons with dementia and improve their well-being.
“Seeing the work that Dementia Singapore does for both the elderly living with dementia and their caregivers, it’s incredibly meaningful for me to help them raise funds every year and raise greater awareness for the cause,” Esther says.
“While this is a cause that is very near and dear to my heart, it’s also very fulfilling to me to organise this fundraiser every year as there is always a great outpouring of support from my loved ones and clients alike.”
As Jason Foo, CEO, Dementia Singapore, shares: “Advocates like Esther are important, as their contribution to the cause helps us provide optimal care and support to our community of persons with dementia and their caregivers.”
HOW YOU CAN GIVE
Help build an inclusive society in Singapore for persons with dementia by purchasing one or several pieces from Gems From The Heart jewellery collection.
Available at MUS.za’s boutique at Raffles Hotel, pieces can be customised according to preferred materials or gems. Part of sales proceeds will go to Dementia Singapore till November 2024.
Or check out MUS.za’s online sales here, which features curated items ranging from luxurious hotel stays to accessories. All sales proceeds are donated to Dementia Singapore.
More details here.
