The gala “Gems Galore” event was a glittering affair with over 100 of the who’s who of Ipoh gathered as they sipped Moet (champagne) over a lavish luncheon. Award winning designer and entrepreneur, Amee Philips started with welcome speeches followed by a gemstone talk by the Irish Andrew Philips, a coloured-gemstone expert.
A glittering fashion show was enjoyed by all after which a charity auction was held. Amee Philips donated three sets of gemstone jewellery for the auction. They were an amethyst convertible ring tagged at RM6,000, a citrine set with earrings and a necklace priced at RM11,100 and an akoya pearl set with earrings and a necklace valued at RM16,000.
The auction garnered a sum of RM26,500. The money was then presented to the Chief Executive Officer of the Perak Palliative Care Society, Dato’ Dr Ziaudin Ahmad bin Abdul Karim.
Undoubtedly, Amee Philips shone as bright and beautiful as her jewels. Her jewelry is world class, a testimony that Malaysians are ahead of their South-East Asian competitors and stand on par in the international jewellery arena. Philips has catapulted into an elite group and put Malaysia and specifically Penang on the jewellery radar.
The collection showcased bespoke formal pieces using natural coloured gemstones as the central focal point, accentuated by surrounding diamonds. Amee’s use of coloured gemstones is commendable as is her quality design and craftsmanship.
Amee Philips is one of Malaysia’s foremost authorities on gemstones and jewellery. She annually judges a student design competition in conjunction with the Malaysian International Jewellery Fair. Her jewellery has featured at New York Fashion Week and in the Rolls Royce Enthusiasts Club Year Book. Her innovative jewellery has been recognised with the Malaysia Good Design Award, and worldwide patents. Among her personal accolades is an Entrepreneurship Award from Enterprise Asia, featuring in Malaysia’s Top 100 Women Entrepreneurs list.
This was Philip’s third “show and tell” event to Ipoh’s jewellery and gemstone connoisseurs.
Puan Sri Pamella Regan Fox
Gemologist, FGAA, ICA, AIGS
