October 2026 marked a little milestone in my jewellery-making journey. For the first time, I participated in Milano Jewelry Week, where two of my pieces from my City in a Garden collection were selected for the Artistar Jewels exhibition at Palazzo Bovara in Milan.
It was exciting, but also a little daunting. Participating in an international exhibition was something new for me, and I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Still, I decided to take that leap of faith and see where it would lead.
The beautiful interiors of Palazzo Bovara, Milan
Walking into Palazzo Bovara was quite an experience. The beautiful ceilings, chandeliers and historic surroundings provided a wonderful setting for contemporary jewellery from around the world.
A little keepsake from my first Milano Jewelry Week
Seeing my own work on display alongside pieces by artists from different countries was a special moment. My two pieces, Canopy and Confluence, were inspired by Singapore's urban architecture and greenery. Both combine hand-fabricated sterling silver, 18K gold and dendritic agates, whose natural patterns remind me of little landscapes and greeneries.
Canopy - from my City in a Garden collection
Confluence - from my City in a Garden collection
Of course, having just two pieces in a showcase meant there was limited space to tell the story behind my work. So much of the inspiration, thought and making process cannot be seen in a display alone.
It made me realise that exhibiting jewellery is only part of gaining exposure. There is also the importance of sharing the story behind the pieces, making connections and finding opportunities for people to understand the work beyond what they see.
My jewellery featured in the Artistar Jewels 2026 catalogue
Another lovely moment was seeing my work featured in the Artistar Jewels catalogue. Two additional pieces were also included in the event's promotional materials. It was encouraging to see my jewellery presented in print.
But perhaps the most enjoyable part of the experience was meeting other jewellery artists. Everyone had their own story, their own approach to making jewellery and their own challenges. I met some wonderfully kind and interesting people, and our conversations were both inspiring and encouraging.
Working alone in my studio most of the time, it was refreshing to be among people who understood the joys and struggles of creating things by hand. It reminded me that I am certainly not alone in this creative journey.
Looking back, I am glad I took part. It was a considerable financial commitment for me as an independent jeweller, and of course, I had quietly hoped for more exposure and recognition. Would I do it again? Perhaps, although I would also like to explore other international exhibitions when finances allow. Every exhibition offers something different, and I am still learning which opportunities might be the right fit for my work.
I came away with new friendships, fresh perspectives and a better understanding of what it means to participate in an international exhibition. There are things I would approach differently next time, but that is all part of learning.
For now, I am happy that I took that leap of faith. I don't quite know where this journey will take me next, but I look forward to discovering it, one step at a time.
You can also explore my City in a Garden collection, created for Milano Jewelry Week 2026, and take a closer look at the four pieces: Canopy, Confluence, Sprout and Nest.
View the City in a Garden gallery
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