Are big and bold, elaborate earrings still a thing? Has the time to throw on chunky necklaces passed, and are statement rings still having their moment in the local jewellery scene?
We asked the founders of three homegrown jewellery brands on what to wear with Hari Raya outfits and the latest trends in accessories.
Accessorising for the festive season
For Hari Raya, complementing your new baju Raya with the right jewellery is all part of the fun.
“If your Raya outfit is really elaborate, keep it simple with the accessories,” says Eva Woon, the founder of Inari Jewellery, a local demi-fine jewellery brand that merges artisanal luxury and sustainability.
“I love to pair my blue top with a blue necklace to give a little more pop to my overall look. You can also go for a more statement piece and let that be the focus of your entire look. At the end of the day, your outfit and jewellery should speak to your own personal style,” she adds.
The Straits Finery founders Foo Chia Chern and Amira Yahya create jewellery that is thoughtfully designed to be layered together.
Read more: How fashion and family go hand-in-hand for the Hari Raya festivities
Amira notes that the trend with Raya outfits has been veering towards classic silhouettes in muted tones.
“The more soft and subtle take on Raya fashion is a great canvas for statement minimalist pendants and stacked bangles,” says Amira. “At The Straits Finery, we have always believed that Raya is a great opportunity to flaunt your ring stacking game, a time to really dress up your hands by letting your creativity shine with each stack.”
Qlassico co-founder Wong Chee Sheun believes that when it comes to dressing up and accessorising during the Raya festive period, embracing minimalism is key.
“Many pieces in this year’s Raya collections feature intricate embroidery, lace and ornate embellishments, adding depth and texture to the designs,” she notes.
“Opt for minimalist jewellery styles that complement rather than compete with the outfit. The clean lines and understated elegance of minimalist jewellery enhance the overall look without detracting from the garment’s exquisite craftsmanship.”
She also recommends using pearl jewellery to complement clothes that are pastel-hued.
“With soft pastel shades like blush pink, powder blue and mint green, there’s a pronounced delicate and romantic vibe. To harmonise with these tones, we recommend soft, creamy gemstones like pearls. Their subtle elegance enhances the overall look without overpowering it.”
Trending styles and popular creations
Woon says that she has seen a rise in more conscious consumption in the community.
“As slow fashion kicks in, people are focusing on investing in pieces made out of better-quality materials that last longer,” says Woon, whose brand is all about crafting high quality pieces that tell a story while keeping a minimalist aesthetic
She has observed that people love being able to wear their favourite pieces daily and not feel the need to take them off.
“As such, minimalist designs are always ‘in’. As a sustainable jewellery brand, we try and avoid chasing trends as we believe in creating timeless designs that will stand the test of time,” she adds.
“An example would be our signature stacking rings that when worn and stacked together can create something unique to every wearer. Our focus is on the individuality of each wearer,” says Foo.
“Our creations are deliberately thin and minimalist in form to become part of the wearer – you barely feel them on,” she adds.
Read more: Keep it rosy and fresh: The lowdown on this year's Hari Raya beauty trends
Wong has a slightly different take on what trends are popular right now, noting that pearls is surging in popularity.
“The allure of Tahitian pearls is taking centre stage, notably showcased by celebrities at prestigious events like the Oscars and British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA),” says Wong.
“Nina Dobrev wore the Messika Disco Pulsation High Jewellery necklace featuring Tahitian pearls and diamonds, and Cate Blanchett’s Louis Vuitton body chain crafted from repurposed Tahitian pearls also ignited interest in this type of jewellery.”
For everyday wear, donning red carpet-ready pearls may not be practical, but it’s relatively easy to incorporate pearls into your work wear or casual wardrobe.
“A single pendant necklace adds a touch of sophistication, particularly fitting for the warm season and beach getaways,” says Wong, whose jewellery pieces are crafted from premium saltwater pearls.
Apart from Tahitian pearls, Akoya pearls is also having its moment, complementing outfits for various occasions, adorning earrings, necklaces or bracelets.
Yellow gold, silver and while gold jewellery have also made a comeback, with metallic accents featuring prominently on Spring/Summer 2024 runways.
“Classic golds and silvers are positioned to dominate the colour palette, signalling a revival of yellow and white gold jewellery,” says Wong.
Versatile, stackable pieces are coveted options when it comes to jewellery, be they rings, bracelets or cuffs.
“Our signature minimalist stacking rings are popular among our customers as the modular designs allow the wearer to wear them as single rings or stack different designs across our collections. These are great options to create a stacking ring combination that speaks to their personal style and creativity,” says Foo.
Similarly, Woon notes that earrings, rings and necklaces that can be stacked or layered are popular among customers.
“These items a special place in the hearts of our customers, particularly those who appreciate simple and versatile designs that are stackable,” says Woon.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
