Singapore has no shortage of places to buy a sapphire. The large European houses have flagships across the country. BP de Silva, a family-owned jeweller founded on High Street in 1872, is competing on a different footing: Rare stones and a one-store retail model built around personal relationships.

That approach is largely shaped by Shanya Amarasuriya, the fifth-generation creative director who leads sourcing and design. Under Amarasuriya, the house returned to standalone retail in 2022 with its Dempsey Road flagship and launched its first high jewellery collection. 

Amarasuriya spoke to Inside Retail about translating heritage into contemporary design, the role of the physical boutique and the opportunity she sees for independent houses in their home market.

Inside Retail: What first drew you to the world of jewellery? Was there a particular person, memory or experience that sparked your fascination?

Shanya Amarasuriya: My father was certainly an early influence. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of visiting his workshop and seeing designs come to life. It excited me from a young age to watch something that began in someone’s imagination take shape in a craftsperson’s hands, becoming a jewel you could hold and wear.

Another turning point came when I began shadowing a colleague as she served our customers. Listening to their conversations and hearing their ideas, I discovered how much human connection was woven into our work. 

I realised we could bring together an extraordinary creation of nature with the imagination and skill of human hands to make something deeply meaningful to another person.

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