Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend

By SeeFoon Chan-Koppen

The words of the song of the same title were echoing through my mind when I went to Adris Jewellers recently to view their stunning collection of bespoke jewelry. The younger set today may not know this song popularised by Marilyn Monroe in the movie ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’ but somehow the message of diamonds whether they be “square-cut or pear-shaped. These rocks don’t lose their shape. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend” has stayed its course since this song was popularised in 1953  and young people are still flocking to Adris for their solitaire diamonds especially as engagement rings.

 Often perceived by many to be exclusive and out of their reach in terms of affordability, I was delightfully surprised to find that one is spoilt for choice at Adris and there is a piece and a gemstone for every taste and pocket. Especially in the area of certificate solitaire diamonds, an exclusive domain for which Adris holds reign, not only in Perak but also throughout Malaysia, having one of the largest selection of stones.

A Stone For Every Budget

Choolathileka Adris, the Managing Director and a gemmologist by training, has this to say about Adris’s popularity especially in the area of solitaire diamonds, “We have a size and quality to match most budgets. Our solitaire diamonds can begin at a most affordable sum of RM2,000 and go upwards into the stratosphere. Each stone of size 0.30cts upwards is certified by GIA (Gemological Institute of America) which gives buyers the assurance of its authenticity and value, should they decide to sell it at a later date. Without bragging, I can say that our prices are often 15-20% lower than what is sold internationally.”

And to vouch for that, I called my friend Saroja Tiagi whose daughter Anoushka had her engagement ring made by Adris jewellers. Anoushka who lives in the UK, went back to London and had her ring and stone valued by a jeweller there. To her utter surprise, the valuation came back at almost double what she paid in Ipoh at Adris, a whopping 95K versus the original price of 55K. Now that is testimony to Choola’s modest assertion of 15-20% lower in price.

Full Fledged Jeweller

Adris is a full-fledged jeweller, meaning that they Source, Design, Manufacture and Retail, a far cry from the usual run-of-the-mill jeweller that just buys mass manufactured jewelry and sells them. Thus the description of  ‘Bespoke’  which is made-to-order, applies so well to this venerable store which has a history of serving satisfied customers since 1935, starting out in Taiping where Choola’s late father T.A. Adris set up his first store crafting diamond and gemstone jewellery for the rich and famous and royalty as well.

“One of his most outstanding masterpieces is the Kedah state jewellery worn by the late Sultanah Bahiyah Tuanku Abdul Rahman which won Adris a letter of recognition from the Sultan himself in 1956,” said Choola proudly. Today Choola is proud to serve members of the Perak Royal family.

From Selection to Completion: A Bespoke Jeweller

Shopping at Adris is a delightfully relaxed affair. One walks into their Greentown showroom and is greeted warmly by one of their senior consultants or if you’re in luck by Yvonne, Choola’s wife, who might be there to guide you. If a solitaire is what you have come for, then you’re asked for your budget and the process of selection begins with advice on the quality, clarity and other intricate details about diamond selection which only a qualified person can provide.

After the selection, you’re then asked for your choice of setting. If an intricate setting is required, then the designers will be called in to begin the initial drawings and make suggestions to you. This whole process can take up to 3 months from selection to completion especially if it is an elaborate piece of jewellery which often, their more matured (meaning deeper pockets) clients will be seeking.

The range and choice of stunning pieces in Adris’s showroom is bedazzling. As is my inclination for flash and bling, the pieces I was drawn to were way out of my budget but nevertheless provided me with much drool factor. Their Hodel pearls were beautifully set and displayed, as were their range of coloured gemstone pieces.

Everyday Diamonds

Of particular interest to younger folks wishing to own their first piece of diamond jewelry is their range of what Choola and Yvonne call their ‘everyday diamonds’: rings, earrings, pendants and bracelets all within reach of most middle income pockets.

Adris will be having their annual sale from November 15 to December 15. Take advantage of their sale to pick up even better value pieces for your jewellery collection.