In a breathtaking unveiling earlier this year, Singapore-based jewellery brand Simone Jewels, helmed by founder Simone Ng (SN), introduced Tattoo, its latest jewellery collection. Combining artistry and emotion, it celebrates the connection between tattoo art and jewellery. It also heralds the brand’s foray into crafting jewellery suitable for both men and women.
That’s not all. Simone Jewels recently unveiled a visionary collaboration that blurs the boundaries of culture and jewellery-making. The Simone x Tomo capsule collection comprises six jewellery designs inspired by Sumi-e, the ancient Japanese art of ink painting.
In collaborating with Japanese American artist Tomoyuki Iwanami (TI), Ng’s jewels express his Japanese heritage and the sun-soaked reveries of the American West Coast.
Tomo, what was your first impression of Simone Jewels?
TI: There was much thought put into the designs. I found it refreshing to hear Simone talk about her collection of gems and learn how she selected them, especially considering how few people know the identity of gemstones. This aspect really stuck with me.
As a designer and artist who has worked across various categories, how do you define good design?
TI: Aesthetically, I think an excellent design resonates with people and triggers a positive feeling or emotion. Functionally, it has to make sense or be something most people would use.
Usually, creative collaborations occur between like-minded individuals. What similarities do you both share?
SN: We’re both creative people who delight in creating art based on stories that resonate with others. Whether it’s jewellery or artwork, we cherish the journey of conceptualising, designing, and creating significant pieces. It is also interesting that we come from contrasting backgrounds and fashion styles. A fusion of who we are in every sense led to this unique outcome.
TI: We are both curious about things and open to new ideas. We know what we like and are centred enough to collaborate without compromising this. Most of all, we share a genuine love for jewellery and the arts.
Simone, what was the most challenging aspect of designing this collection?
SN: I wanted to create a collection any gender could wear, and I didn’t want them hidden or locked away in a safe. I made considerable effort to ensure this collection’s versatility and wearability while staying true to its DNA.
Sumi rings
Could you kindly explain the thought process and inspiration behind each of the six designs?
SN: This collaboration draws from Sumi-E, meaning black ink, from Tomo’s art. I admired the effortless, pure, and organic essence of Sumi-E, a reminder of art’s nature. This inspired me to create a gender-neutral collection echoing Sumi-E’s natural splash. This collection is an extension of our 2023 High Jewellery Collection, themed “Tattoo”. It is a collaboration collection that celebrates art on various mediums, including skin.
Why did you decide on the gemstones used in the collection?
SN: The black and white gemstones, along with diamonds, echo Sumi-E’s monochromatic palette, driving the colour choices in this collection. I wanted to use untreated gemstones like black spinel to embody the DNA of this collection. (Black diamonds are usually treated to obtain a standardised colour). Using black jade in the collection might surprise many, yet its resonance with the black ink inspiration makes it compelling.
Which piece resonates the most with you?
SN: I really like the jacket earrings. They blend edginess with elegance, offering the option to wear them alone or alongside other jewellery. They embody a distinctive character and personality.
TI: The fluid Sumi ring. The uniqueness has a quality that conforms with my attitude towards life—flow freely.
