Kan’s inventive mind shines brightest in the firm’s bespoke jewellery programmes. Her Heirloom Revival service, for instance, goes beyond the refurbishment of treasured but unused jewellery. For a ring that lost one of its white diamonds, the jeweller chose to place a black diamond in the setting—a design choice prompted by the client’s “cheeky, black sense of humour”. In addition, an accompanying outer ring with a pavé of diamonds in the reverse colour scheme (all black except for one white diamond) was created, transforming the old ring into a modern stackable set.

Read Carolyn Kan’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Kuala Lumpur-based Wanderlust + Co has amassed a global following of jewellery lovers that includes bright young stars like Kendall Jenner (spotted with its double stud ring), Gigi Hadid (seen in its gold rings), Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens and more. Its success can be traced to founder Jenn Low’s vision of creating on-trend but fair-priced pieces that are made with care and imbued with meaning. Think body chains, stackable rings, and gold hoops for an ear stack.

With “textures inspired by nature, alongside different baroque and mother of pearl accents”, its To The Sea collection taps into the healing power of water in pieces such as a hand chain dotted with freshwater pearls or a spinning pendant whose texture recalls sand ripples. The summer-themed set is available in Wanderlust + Co’s newly opened Singapore boutique on Orchard Road—the company’s first permanent location outside of Malaysia. Of the new shop, Low shared with Tatler: “Across the next few months, we’ll also be expanding on our in-store services, as well as collaborating with like-minded brands... to continue creating only the best experiences for our #WCOgirlgang!”

Read Jenn Low’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Apart from being featured in jewellery exhibits in Europe, the high-octane creations of Michelle Ong have been worn by leading actresses such as Michelle Yeoh, Kate Winslet and Glenn Close. For Yeoh’s turn in Crazy Rich Asians, Ong designed the Sparkling Delight pendant, a large sunburst-shaped brooch with an intense yellow diamond surrounded by rays of gemstones, which the actress, as Eleanor Young, wore on her waist. “My jewellery is made for the contemporary woman, who is confident, unfettered and unapologetically feminine... And my vision is to design one-of-a-kind jewels that complement these inimitable personas,” said Ong to Tatler.

The founder of Hong Kong-based Carnet is known for showstopping pieces that resemble works of art. In her hands, precious stones are transfigured into the dreamy forms of a bird plume, a peony, a conch shell, a lotus leaf or a collection of sea shells (that is really a watch). All these and more are captured in Carnet by Michelle Ong, a compendium of the jewellery house’s decades-long history told through the designer’s spectacular pieces, which have been lauded for their mastery of colours and fusion of east and west.

Read Michelle Ong’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Tatler Asia's Most Influential is the definitive list of people shaping our world today. Asia's Most Influential brings together the region's most innovative changemakers, industry titans and thought leaders who are driving positive impact in Asia and beyond. View the full list here.

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