There’s nothing more magical than the imagination of a child. Untainted by the world’s cruelties and injustices, kids see life through a lens of beautiful, pure innocence. Singaporean jeweler State Property has captured that sentiment with a whimsical new collection inspired by a story told by the 3-year-old son of the company’s founders.
A special kind of enchantment happens when a parent sees their child discover something new or tell a story the child has dreamed up—the widening of the child’s eyes, the budding curiosity, the building blocks of a broadening imagination. Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin, founders and designers of State Property, were fortunate to enjoy that experience when their 3-year-old treated them a little fairy tale. As parents, Imram and Ruiyin had a memorable story for the family books. As jewelers, they had the makings of a collection they could share with the world to celebrate the brand’s 10th anniversary.
Railroad loop earrings in 18k yellow gold with 1.34 cts. t.w. diamonds, $6,900
“It’s exhilarating, liberating, and exposing all at once,” says Imram when asked how it feels to present such a personal collection to the public. “As designers, we’re used to pouring ourselves into our work, but it is different with this collection. It’s not just a reflection of our aesthetics or ideals; it’s rooted in a story from our son, our experiences as parents, and in moments of our lives we’ll never get back. Presenting it to the world is almost like pulling the curtain back on our real lives, but making it jewelry. There’s a deep sense of pride, and also vulnerability. And I think that’s what makes it so meaningful.”
Toadstool pendant in 18k yellow gold with black enamel and 0.47 ct. t.w. diamonds, $4,980
For the Story of Everything, Imram and Ruiyin took the high quality and cool design State Property has come to be known for and gave them a playful twist—just what we’ve been looking for in our fine jewelry these days. The jewels recount their son’s story about Captain Lime, riding a looping, roller-coaster-like train track in search of a golden egg, speeding past fantastical sights, including toadstool mushrooms.
The train tracks are brought to life through golden hoop earrings, a bracelet, and a ring, flowing with baguette diamonds that form the railroad ties. Toadstools, no doubt the most whimsical element of the collection, are illustrated through bombé-style rings, button earrings, and pendants dotted with diamonds and available with or without the added color of enamel.
Railroad ring in 18k yellow gold with 0.95 ct. t.w. diamonds, $5,580
Toadstool earrings in 18k white gold with 0.94 ct. t.w. diamonds, $6,980
Meanwhile, the prize of the story, the golden egg, dangles from drop earrings, gives shape to studs, and is part of a hoop earring—all beautifully set with diamonds and, in the case of the stud earrings, detailed with black enamel.
“With the Story of Everything, we’ve found that clients are drawn not just to the craftsmanship but to the emotion behind it,” Ruiyin and Imram wrote in an email to JCK. “There’s this look of delight and surprise when we share with our clients the inspiration behind the pieces. And there’s a lightheartedness and joy that’s resonating deeply.
Cosmic Egg earrings in 18k yellow gold with black enamel and 0.89 ct. t.w. diamonds, $8,200
“For us, it was important that despite the naivete, the pieces remained sophisticated and elegant, giving the wearer the option of sharing the story behind each piece on their own terms. So far it’s been an exceptional reception, something we’re extremely grateful about.”
Railroad bracelet in 18k rose gold with 1.73 cts. t.w. diamonds, $11,650
Cosmic Egg drop earrings in 18k rose gold with 0.77 ct. t.w. diamonds, $7,380
What does the couple’s son, who set the stage for the collection, have to say about the jewelry? “He loves it, we think,” the designers reply. “He mainly goes on about how all those pieces are his and not for sale—we don’t think he grasps the commerce side of things yet. But it has been such a joy to bring him into the fold of our work lives, something he usually gets to observe but not really participate in. Now, every so often, he looks at something and says, ‘That can be jewelry.’”
Top: Toadstool bombé rings in 18k yellow gold with enamel and diamonds, $7,200–$7,380; State Property