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The Charm of Antique Ethnic Jewellery:


"Quality is not an issue as I fashion the jewellery from only the best materials" – Sandra Chia

Steeped in culture, tradition and history, antique ethnic jewellery and beads have always exuded a charm of their own, teasing us with the many mysteries and secrets they hold.

Tucked away off Claymore Drive in the back Orchard Tower on the ground floor, Sandra Chia runs Acacia Tree which has been her business for over twenty years. Her primary outlet is in Singapore and her supporting outlet in KL Malaysia.

Sandra turned her passion into her business and now with her two sons visits exotic location extensively in Asia and the Middle East to uncover new lapidary suppliers for materials and learn more about the people, their cultures and the role Jewellery plays in their lives.

Initially focusing on South East Asian ornaments and textiles Sandra soon started to follow her interest in antique ethnic jewellery and ethnic accessories. This now has expanded to cover range comprehensive of antique ethnic jewellery with components gathered from as far away Morocco, Uzbekistan, Tibetan, China, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Malaysia, Lebanon, India, Nepal, Thailand, Jordan, Turkey, Syria and Indonesia.

Sandra is always on the look out for rare items especially in old gold, silver, agate, lapis lazuli, amber, ancient glass, turquoise, and Basra pearls.

According to Sandra such stones are considered the stones of antiquity and during stages in history, such beads and stones were not only used as adornment but also as currency and amulets by the community.

"Iran is an interesting place as it offers high quality stone beads like agate, carnelian and sardonyx" said Chia, who speaks French and some Bahasa Indonesian.

As a Malaysian, Sandra has a deep appreciation of Islamic culture and tradition and with her travels learns more regarding different cultural practises in different countries. Sandra's interest in the way jewellery reflects culture at different time in history and how the designs and materials can be used in Jewellery today.

Further by using these elements to fashion new exciting jewellery this allows people who are interested in antique ethnic jewellery to learn more about people and their relationship with their jewellery through history.

Sandra has started this web site to stay in contact with her customers around the world and respond to their requests to provide more access to her unique range of antique ethnic jewellery.

Please feel free to contact Sandra at sandra@acacia-tree.biz or sign up for Sandra’s periodic newsletter.

Sandra through her interest in antique ethnic jewellery has met many interesting collectors some who have become good friends. Michael Backman who has been a british correspondant has for many years stopped by Acacia-Tree in Kuala Lumpur and regularly purchased items. Recently Michael opened his own gallery in London and Sandra recommends his site to those people who have a deep interest in artifacts and crafts from asia and the middle east http://www.michaelbackmanltd.com

Also Sandra refers to one other site in Asia as a good reference site, Orientations magazine for those who are interested in different business around the world based on Asia arts and crafts. It list a vast range of contacts for the enthusiast and professional alike, http://www.orientations.com.hk/link.htm

Please note: that all items offered by Sandra are unique and there are normally only one of each item

Please call Sandra at the Shop, Monday to Saturday between 12 noon and 6pm - Sandra would love to talk to you about her antique ethnic Jewellery - She probably has the one piece you have been look to buy, call 65 6733 5347