A Jewel Of One's Own

Mouawad’s bespoke service creates pieces that are unique in every way, Managing Director Jean Nasr shares with ZARA ZHUANG

- Zara Zhuang

JEAN NASR IS no stranger to fashioning one-of-a-kind jewellery on demand — the 54-year-old managing director, gemmologist and jewellery designer of Mouawad in Singapore has fielded requests for fantastic masterpieces from his clients, such as magnificent high jewellery parures, diamonds set to look as if they’re floating, coral objets d’art, and stones carved into the shape of a cat’s face. Its made to-order jewellery service has been integral to the 127-year-old brand’s offerings since it opened its Palais Renaissance boutique in 2013. (It established its presence in Singapore in 1991.)

Describing customised jewellery as a labour of love, Nasr says such pieces are made more meaningful when clients are actively involved in the design process. “That way the gift is not from me to their other half; it’s from them to their other half,” he says. “It becomes more personal, so it’s more appreciated.”

However, managing clients requires a delicate balance. It takes two to three meetings to go through ideas — clients must feel at ease when collaborating. An understanding of psychology is crucial to his ability to smoothen out any difference in opinion. “Some customers have strong opinions and want what they think is right. So how can we find the balance?” he explains the dilemma.