Dazzled by exquisite handcrafted Zam Gems

When I received the invitation from Suasana Suites Iskandar Johor Baru to a jewellery exhibition held at their Corporate Floor, I knew that it was an exclusive one-day only event for selected guests.

Guests at the one-day only exclusive jewellery
exhibition by Zam Gems at Suasna Suiites Iskandar JB

A quick check on my calendar showed that I had a prior event to attend that same morning so I replied this invitation with a question, as to when would be an ideal time for me to turn up because it was a day-long event, up to 8pm that night.

                                                              

So it was arranged for me to arrive comfortably on time for a cup of coffee and to catch a formal visual presentation by Zam Gems of Sri Lanka.

That afternoon, I found my way to Level 35 where the Corporate Floor was located and was warmly welcomed by my gracious host, Madam Ng-Lee Siew Koon.

Already a small group of jewellery connoisseurs were taking a close look at the gems displayed in the glass-topped showcases, arranged at one end of the hall.

Siew Koon introduced me to Managing Director of Zam Gems, Ahsan Refai, whom she described as a family friend who had accepted her invitation to exhibit their exquisite jewellery here.

Managing Director of Zam Gems, Ahsan Refai, [Centre]
showing some of the elegant jewellery designs to guests

With natural light pouring in from the windows’ parted curtains, the comfortable ambience of Suasana Suites Iskandar JB, was the ideal setting for such an exclusive exhibition of exquisite handcrafted jewellery.

I’m familiar with diamond merchants from Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon) so I’m ever so keen for a first-hand look at the precious gems that Sri Lanka has been internationally renowned for.

Over coffee and a plate of tasty ginger biscuits from Sri Lanka, Ahsan shared with me about his family business in Zam Gems.

He’s proud that they are their nation’s pioneers in fine jewellery, who not only mined gemstones from their sources but also set them into attractive pieces.

That's an excellent choice of a necklace!

As market leaders for gems and jewellery, Zam Gems is headquartered in Colombo with some 15 branches opened around Sri Lanka, mainly in 5-star hotel galleries and department stores.

While Ahsan shared a brief history on his family business, more guests arrived and joined the sizeable crowd to view and buy jewellery.

Ahsan, the eldest of three siblings, was just aged seven when he would observe his father doing business in the jewellery trade in the front room of their home, which doubled up as an office.

Armed with a briefcase (filled with gems!) his father started this jewellery business in 1976 with the support of three staff members.

Choices! Choices!

Now Zam Gems employ some 225 people in their workforce at two manufacturing centers that include highly skilled workers and in-house designers.

Using only the finest gems, their skilled craftsmen would create a range of the most elegant jewellery by applying a combination of traditional techniques and cutting-edge technology.

“We don’t compromise on quality,” said Ahsan as he described how Zam Gems only seek the best quality gemstones from around the world to process and set into fine jewellery pieces to meet the tastes of connoisseurs both in Asia and Europe.

Ahsan also shared with me about current trends in jewellery making and designs, and commented that most Asian buyers prefer to buy their stones and to set them later.

In addition to operating their many outlets in Sri Lanka, Ahsan and his team often participate in jewellery exhibitions throughout Asia, mainly in Japan and China, and in cities like Kuala Lumpur and Singapore in Southeast Asia.

The most striking of them all must be the cornflower
blue of sapphires set with diamonds!

In the visual presentation, I had a glimpse of how precious stones were mined as well as the stone selection process, polishing and designing into unique and modern settings.

I also learnt that Zam Gems are all lab tested, quality controlled and backed by an international warranty, so buyers are assured that their gems have been authenticated and certified by a qualified gemologist.

Then it was my turn to drool over the dazzling display of gems.

I was simply enchanted by such timeless beauty in necklaces, bracelets, cufflinks and rings designed in sparkling sapphires, flawless moonstones, red rubies and glittering emeralds among other precious and semi-precious stones.

But for me, the most striking of them all must have been the cornflower blue of sapphires set with diamonds!

For more info on Zam Gems, visit website: www.zamgems.com