Meet Venessa, who grew up with a front-row seat to the world of luxury and legacy. Raised among the shimmer of gemstones and the artistry of fine craftsmanship, she has transformed that early exposure into a modern jewellery brand that celebrates individuality, heritage, and empowerment.
With her GIA-certified expertise and unwavering dedication to quality, Venessa designs pieces that tell deeply personal stories, crafted to last a lifetime and beyond. At the heart of Gems Origin lies her philosophy that jewellery should be more than ornamental. It should be meaningful, timeless, and a reflection of one’s truest self.
You grew up surrounded by gemstones and artistry. How did your childhood experience in a family of jewellers shape your vision for Gems Origin?
When I was young, I spent most of my holidays in my mother’s workshop and factory, watching her craftsmen at work. I didn’t think it would ever become my career.
But that early exposure shaped my interest and vision for what would eventually become Gems Origin, which I started 14 years ago. My mother always focused on fine, high-quality jewellery, so I grew up surrounded by exquisite gemstones and natural diamonds.
Later, when I attended GIA, I was introduced to lower-quality stones for study purposes, and that contrast opened my eyes. It made me realise how wide the market was and pushed me to define where I wanted to position myself by serving clients who value quality, legacy, and authenticity.
Jewellery, to me, is not just about sparkle. Each piece we create is meant to last beyond one lifetime, passing on stories and memories through generations.
Although I didn’t continue my mother’s brand, I carried forward her philosophy: to honour craftsmanship, preserve heritage, and help clients express who they truly are.
Jewellery has always been tied to emotion and memory. How do you translate those personal stories into your bespoke creations?
For us, every design journey is deeply personal and requires time and attention. Our clients come to us with stories, often to celebrate milestones or express love and my role is to translate those emotions into design.
That means truly understanding their personalities, preferences, and what they wish their jewellery to convey.
Every element, from gemstone colour to motif, symbolises a part of their story. I see myself as an interpreter of emotions, crafting pieces that feel timeless rather than trendy.
Jewellery should make women feel strong, radiant, and authentic. Can you share an example of a client whose reaction deeply moved you?
I remember a client who came in initially seeking sponsorship for a charity dinner. While browsing, she found a beautiful Muzo emerald. This is an investment-grade stone and I saw her eyes light up.
She told me she had always dreamed of owning one but felt she didn’t deserve something so precious, especially since her husband was the main breadwinner. I encouraged her to talk to him, and after several visits with her family, he bought it for her as an anniversary gift.
We turned the stone into a convertible piece—a ring that could also be worn as a pendant. When she opened the box, she was literally shaking, saying, “I never thought I’d deserve something like this.” That moment reminded me why I do what I do.
Another client once told me, “Venessa, your jewellery saves marriages.” I laughed, but he explained that a custom-made gift is such a powerful gesture because it shows thought, effort, and love. Those moments make everything worthwhile.
Every new gemstone we bring in makes me wonder who it will belong to, what story it will tell, and what legacy it will carry. I love transforming artistry into lasting pieces that families will treasure for generations.
The fine jewellery industry is highly competitive. What has been your biggest challenge as an independent designer and founder in Singapore?
Balancing artistry with business has been my greatest challenge. My process is very personal and time-intensive, something a profit-driven entrepreneur might find inefficient. But I’ve always believed that making money should not be the only purpose of a business.
Staying true to my brand’s intention such as quality, storytelling, and relationships keeps me grounded. I focus on creating pieces that matter rather than chasing volume. For me, every client interaction is meaningful, and the experience must feel genuine.
You recently received the Spirit of Enterprise 2024 Award. How has this recognition influenced your perspective on entrepreneurship and purpose?
Receiving the award was deeply meaningful. As entrepreneurs, we rarely get recognition while we are in the thick of building something. The Spirit of Enterprise Award affirmed that perseverance, contribution, and heart matter.
It reminded me that entrepreneurship isn’t a race. We each have our own journey, our own purpose, and our own clients to serve. There’s no need for competition. The universe is vast, and there’s space for everyone.
To me, entrepreneurship is about creating impact, uplifting others, and building meaningful connections along the way.
What excites you most when you wake up every day?
The stories waiting to be told. Every new gemstone we bring in makes me wonder who it will belong to, what story it will tell, and what legacy it will carry. I love transforming artistry into lasting pieces that families will treasure for generations.
Over time, many of my clients have become friends. We share not just jewellery journeys, but stories about life, work, and family. Those human connections make my work deeply fulfilling.
What’s your vision for Singapore in the next five years?
I hope Singapore becomes a hub that nurtures and celebrates creative craftsmanship. Luxury today is shifting from big logos to “quiet luxury,” where people value authenticity, uniqueness, and artistry.
I want Singapore to be a place where artisans and independent brands like ours can thrive in that space.
If you could have a superpower for one day, what would it be and why?
I would love to be able to read my clients’ minds, to understand what truly makes them happy. It would help me design pieces that capture their essence perfectly and bring them pure joy.
Connect with Venessa: GemsOrigin and Instagram.
