Jeweller Zoie Teo believes no look is complete without some sparkle, courtesy of dazzling diamonds.
Tatler Asia
Above Zoie Teo (photo by Lionel Lai, AcePix)

The saying “diamonds are a girl’s best friend” rings true for Zoie Teo, the founder of local bespoke jewellery brand Carat 55. “I invest in jewels, but not just for myself. I buy pieces that I can eventually give to my daughter. For example, a tennis bracelet is a must-have piece you can wear every day.”

The 31-year-old shares that she gifts a different coloured stone to her four-year-old daughter every birthday. “I’ve bought her a lavender spinel and a pink sapphire. No diamonds yet! When she’s older she can choose what she wants to do with the stones. I don’t believe in toys, I believe in things that she can keep.” 

(Related: What's In Rachel Wee's Closet?)

 

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Photo 1 of 7 Valentino sunglasses
Photo 2 of 7 Hublot watch
Photo 3 of 7 Vintage ring
Photo 4 of 7 Carat 55 necklace
Photo 5 of 7 Roberto Demeglio bangle, at Carat 55
Photo 6 of 7 Pleats Please by Issey Miyake scarf
Photo 7 of 7 Sergio Rossi heelsSergio Rossi heels

With the belief that accessories and jewellery have the power to transform and complete any look, Zoie relies on a steady rotation of minimalist dresses and jumpsuits, but has some fun layering with blazers and scarves. “I love Korean celebrity Song Hye Kyo’s style. She always looks so put-together and elegant without wearing exaggerated or dramatic clothes,” she says. “I really like Calvin Klein for its modern and classic aesthetic, but I don’t have time to shop. I only get some retail therapy while waiting for my daughter to be done with her enrichment class—that’s one hour in Forum [The Shopping Mall].”

Zoie admits that she likes to keep things simple by buying sensible heels in black and nude, but that might soon change. “Over the years as I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to opt for bolder colours and prints. I recently bought a red DKNY dress, but I’ve only worn it once—it seems too loud but I really like it,” she quips.