Malaysian Heritage, European Craftsmanship

Celebrating Selberan's 50th Anniversary

Malaysian fine jewellery brand, Selberan, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2023.

The brand was established in 1973 - a result of a collaboration between the founders of Royal Selangor and two European master jewellers; Swiss master jeweler, Werner Eberhard and an Austrian gem setter, Walter Angelmahr, after which the name Selberan was coined.

Back when it was established, Selberan’s jewellery was made for export only. The jewellery was exported to Germany, Switzerland, Canada and the United States. Both master jewelers stayed in Malaysia and trained Selberan’s craftspeople in European craftsmanship for over 10 years.

Werner Eberhard and Walter Angelmahr (centre), with some of the very first Selberan employees.

The jewellery brand was one of the first Malaysian companies to manufacture jewellery to European design and standards, developing over the years into a brand name in its own right. Selberan specialises in creating 18K gold and diamond jewellery infused with a European approach to craftsmanship and a distinct aesthetic that harks back to its origins.

Dawn of a new era - the 90s and beyond

The 90s were an exciting period for Selberan. Armed with a team of craftspeople and professionals, Selberan ventured into the world of bespoke jewellery, special and custom orders, and more.

Between 2000 - 2006, Selberan launched its Archive collection, which was inspired by the original textural parts, designs and shapes that the original founders brought to Malaysia. More than 20 best-selling collections were launched inspired by Selberan’s archive. The designs from its rich archives became the brand’s DNA and continue to inspire new masterpieces even today.

Selberan crafted a life-sized birdcage for the World Gold Council design competition, as well as elaborate haute joaillerie pieces, one of which is a diamond tiara with detachable sections that form a necklace, a brooch, pendant, bracelet or earrings.

 

Niobe (1999). Made in 18K gold and set with diamonds and anodised niobium, resulting in an iridescent glow.

Commemorative coins for Bank Negara Malaysia (2000). Features the bank’s logo; the kijang (barking deer), a sun and a crescent moon.

Coca-Cola in 24K gold (2017). A commissioned piece by Coca-Cola Singapore for their marketing campaign.

 

Award-winning designs

 

 

 

The brand has received many accolades in the last 50 years, including one of the five collections from Malaysia in the Golden Design Awards by the World Gold Council. The Buyung Gemilang, or Glorious Vessel collection, designed by the brand’s designer, Guay Boon Lay, carries ornamental motifs inspired by the Neo-Peranakan sensibility while incorporating traditional symbols of happiness and good fortune.

 

 

Blazing the trail

 

Selberan has been recognised as a trailblazer in the Malaysian jewellery industry, namely for introducing the concept of ideal cut diamonds in Malaysia and the importance of the cut element. This culminated in the brand's own ideal cut, The Selberan Diamond. The brand also became a ‘house brand’, providing jewellery (the Selberan diamond), laser inscriptions, and certification (Selberan certificate and GIA certificate). In 2003, Selberan's quality of craft was given a royal seal of approval when it was entrusted with the restoration of the Sultan of Selangor's coronation crown. The antique state regalia’s intricate floral openwork was replicated and mounted with gold, rubies and diamonds. Selberan has also worked on many special orders, such as the royal collection of the Selangor State Stamps and the Selangor State Government Medals.

Selberan has been recognised as a trailblazer in the Malaysian jewellery industry, namely for introducing the concept of ideal cut diamonds in Malaysia and the importance of the cut element. This culminated in the brand's own ideal cut, The Selberan Diamond.

The brand also became a ‘house brand’, providing jewellery (the Selberan diamond), laser inscriptions, and certification (Selberan certificate and GIA certificate).

In 2003, Selberan's quality of craft was given a royal seal of approval when it was entrusted with the restoration of the Sultan of Selangor's coronation crown. The antique state regalia’s intricate floral openwork was replicated and mounted with gold, rubies and diamonds.

Selberan has also worked on many special orders, such as the royal collection of the Selangor State Stamps and the Selangor State Government Medals.

Still Going Strong

More to come: A special collection to commemorate the brand’s 50th anniversary. Designed by master jeweller, Gerd Neumann.

With its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Selberan also has four boutiques spread across the city's metropolitan area. The brand continues serving and engaging its loyal following of customers, often organising masterclass events for them to attend.

For the brand’s 50th anniversary, expect several exciting events and launches, all part of the anniversary celebrations. Selberan will be releasing a special dedication to its employees and customers, brand-new launches, and more.

 

 

The spotlight on employees: The 50th-anniversary celebration will include special highlights featuring the dedicated people behind the craft. In the pic: (L) Amanda Kuan, General Manager & (R) Gerd Neumann, Master Jeweller.

 

 

The life force of the brand: Selberan’s customers are at the centre of all that the brand does. The anniversary celebrations will include sentimental and meaningful exchanges of their journey with Selberan. Featured (L) newlyweds Keith Lim & Chew Su Linn, and (R) Kumar & Tisha-Lin.

 

 

Stay tuned for more information and releases from Selberan. Follow the brand on social media @selberan to stay up to date on its 50th-anniversary celebration.