The founder and designer of the local jewellery brand takes you deeper into her process, her inspiration and her plans for [in]trigue.
If your family heirloom jewellery pieces could speak, imagine the stories that they could tell. That’s the beauty of jewellery – even in its miniature forms, it can speak volumes about culture, tradition and history. One such storyteller is Jaime Lim, the founder and designer behind Singapore jewellery brand [in]trigue. Trained in architecture design, Lim has now transcended into jewellery design, mining Asian culture and stories for new inspiration that she then translates into her jewellery line.
To share more about her work, we catch Lim for a quick 10-minute chat to learn more.
SOCIETYA: You started out as an architect, before making a switch to jewellery design. Can you talk to us about the change?
JAIME LIM: In architecture, I believe in creating spaces that enhances user experiences. I would constantly question, push the boundaries and explore different angles. In my jewellery designs, I believe in the same ideals and also the ability to work with different materials at a very different scale.
Talk to us about [in]trigue – what does the brand stand for?
[in]trigue is a conceptual jewellery brand that explores the kinship between the elements of architecture and nature. Akin to the ideals in architecture, [in]trigue jewellery combines the concepts of utilitarian and aesthetic to create unique collections – to intrigue, to empower and to spark conversations with. We want to play a role in the daily life of a woman, making her feel confident and elegant. Each collection narrates a unique story to engage the customer in its timeless journey. Our aim is to create contemporary, subtle-yet-impactful designs that are a part of your daily routine and effortlessly transition from work to any occasion.
Who is the [in]trigue muse?
Definitely the smart, stylish and talented modern woman who is confident and seeks to be different!
Can you take us through your design process?
I start off with sketching my ideas on paper, then after which I work with my team of craftsmen to render the designs in 3D, so as to visualise it and adjust more if required. We use that model to 3D print the mold, and then send it for casting in metal.
Although not stocked with us yet, several of your designs incorporate natural stones. You’ve also mentioned before that you cut, shape and polish natural stones very minimally for a slightly glossy look. For the uninitiated, can you explain why you still opt to retain that slightly raw look?
I use gemstones with that slightly raw look to add an interesting element and dimension to the jewellery designs, to reflect the beauty of nature, even in its imperfections.
What is your favourite [in]trigue jewellery piece?
I love all my jewellery pieces, but if I really have to choose, it would be the Orchid Bud Earrings. It is a 2-way earring design, so I am able to wear it as a pearl stud during the day and add on the back dangle portion in the evenings for that statement look.
Shop [in]trigue’s range here.
For the month of May, enjoy up to 50% off on selected womenswear lines at societyA’s Flagship Boutique #03-14A Takashimaya S.C. and on society-a.com/beauty.