In line with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The Gem Museum is proud to present “Shine Bright”, a collaborative showcase with Parkway Cancer Centre and Bloomback, featuring 3 unique sets of lingerie; Pink Bloom, Blossoming Strength, and Glowing Gem, in honour of women who stand strong in the face of adversity.
Each piece is adorned with precious gemstones and minerals specially selected based on their properties, to convey messages of strength and inner beauty in the fight against breast cancer. The collaboration hopes to recognise the courage of survivors, as well as to remind members of the public to go for regular screenings, as early detection could save lives.
The three pieces were put on display at the Singapore Jewellery and Gem Fair, held at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre on 27 to 30 October 2017. After the exhibition, they will be moved to The Gem Museum.
Pink Bloom – Made with 1 piece of ruby (0.49ct), 27 pieces of tourmaline, and 22 pieces of diamonds (12.02ct) – reflects the central theme of breast cancer awareness. It speaks of women empowered to take an active role in trying times, and exemplifies their desire to bloom in the pink of health. The piece features a simple flower design set made from pink and red gemstones, and the embellished diamonds signify the shine they proudly wear.
Blossoming Strength – Made with 31 pieces of jade and 46 pieces of diamond (14.25ct) – takes its inspiration from armour, and speaks of women cancer warriors who hold the fort and stand strong to fight through adversity. The carefully curated pieces of jade pieces were chosen for their hardness rating of 6.5 to 7 – similar to that of stainless steel – a testament to the toughness and strength of the women. Historically, jade is recognised as an extremely tough material used to forge weapons such as Neolithic knives and axe heads.
Glowing Gem – Made with 10 pieces of pearl (10.51g), 19 pieces of spinel (21.79ct), 29 pieces of sapphire (22.23ct), and 6 pieces of diamond (1.16ct) – speaks of women shining brightly even in the darkest times. It features beautiful gemstones that naturally glow in the dark under ultraviolet light. Fluorescence is exhibited by only approximately 15% of minerals, making this an exceptionally extraordinary piece.
The Gem Museum was founded on 1st June 2015 by Ms. Loke Huiying and Mr Tay Kunming, and is Singapore’s first and most comprehensive private gem museum open to the public. Holding true to its vision of becoming the international platform that bridges the gemstone industry to the rest of the world, The Gem Museum features a wide variety of gemstones and minerals sourced from around the world.
I had the rare privilege to speak to both of its owners during the exhibition, and they had countless stories to share. Because of the nature of their work, they are required to travel frequently, from the mines where the minerals are extracted, to the factories where they are processed, right to the hands of merchants, where the final product is sold.
They spoke of the gem industry as one that is founded on a journey of trust – where relationships are forged between them and the mining communities, their workers, and their clients – who all rely on one another to prosper. The story of each and every gemstone is unique, as no two pieces are ever the same, no matter how similar they seem to the naked eye. The Gem Museum aims to capture the remarkable passage that each of these gems goes through, from mine to merchant.
The Gem Museum is located at 222 Queen Street, #02-02, Singapore 188550.
Open 12-5pm on weekdays, except on Public Holidays.
Admission is free, and you can visit their website here.
