Diamond In The Rough

Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Hannah and I’m 21 this year. I just graduated with a degree in jewellery design from the Raffles College of Higher Education. Now I’m trying to start up a business selling my own jewellery.

I started designing jewellery back during Covid. Back then, my shop was called Kappa Farts—it’s a silly beaded accessory store. That’s when I realised, maybe I am interested in accessories, so I decided to go more in depth into metalsmithing, so thats what I’m trying to work on now.

That’s so interesting! How are you getting started with your brand?
When I first started jewellery design, I thought “how difficult can making a piece of metal jewellery be?” But It’s actually so difficult (laughs). It’s much harder than people think it is. I mean, you’re trying to manipulate metal itself. In school, they taught us 3D printing techniques using software like Rhino 3D, so it’s easier in the sense that we didn’t have to physically manipulate the metal ourselves, but it’s also challenging because what you envision in 3D might not translate to what you are able to print out. So there’s a lot of trial and error involved. To say it’s easier than metalsmithing is also not a fair comparison, but it does open up a lot of design possibilities.

That sounds like quite a laborious process! What’s a piece of jewellery you’ve made that you’re really proud of?
It’s actually a key-shaped jewellery, which inspired the one I’m wearing today. I wanted to make it for my 21st birthday, because I’ve struggled a lot with mental health issues, so I incorporated the semicolon symbol into my jewellery. I actually made that for one of the collaborations between my school and a jewellery company. That’s one of the more meaningful designs I’ve made.

What are some of your favourite accessory brands?
I went crazy when I was in Harajuku’s Laforet mall, seeing all the Japanese fashion and accessories like Liz Lisa and Axes Femme. They’re all so pretty! I think costume jewellery is really fun to wear as well, and is something that people shouldn’t look down on. I feel that with costume jewellery, one can afford to be more expressive as compared to companies that work with precious metals.

Agreed! Your style seems heavily influenced by Japanese culture as well. How were you first introduced to the Japanese aesthetic?
Since young, my family has frequently travelled to Japan, so I’ve been to Kyoto, Kobe, Tokyo, Osaka—many different places in Japan. It’s quite inspiring to see how differently people dress and express themselves in Japan. As compared to Singapore, the Japanese are braver in a way.

Totally, Singapore needs to step up their fashion game! Last question, do you have any goals for this year?
Since I’m very introverted, it’s to put myself out there more. Whatever new opportunities I get to meet new people and expand my social circle, I’d want to seize it. Do it for the plot, you know?