Jewellery was not part of Veronique Manchharam’s original career plan. Based in Singapore and without formal training, the French founder of Bohème SG spent years teaching language classes to finance professionals. However, a creative spark led her to try making statement brass jewellery. Inspired by the dangling earrings worn at Indian weddings, she aimed to design pieces that reflected her own style.
Soon, friends began requesting their own pieces. This led to her jewellery being sold in local shops. In 2019, Manchharam left her teaching job to focus on jewellery full-time. The COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges but also helped her grow. “The ladies in Singapore were stuck at home, doing video calls,” she recalls. “They still wanted to wear something beautiful, so many bought 10 pairs of earrings at once.”
Today, just a few years later, her designs are available in over 40 stores worldwide. These include locations in Eastern Europe, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore. “Maybe the Philippines, too,” she adds.
Her jewellery is bold and sought-after. The pieces often look heavy and baroque, decorated with colorful jewels. Flora and fauna are common themes, reflecting Manchharam’s home in Singapore. The designs enhance the wearer’s look without overwhelming it.
Bohème SG continues to expand, with collections often inspired by places Manchharam visits. “Each collection starts with a stamp on my passport,” she says. Tropical designs are popular in Singapore and also appeal to customers in countries with grey weather. One well-known collection, Maasai Mara, was inspired by Kenya and made in collaboration with the Enkopiro camp.
Although her jewellery is glamorous, sustainability and ethics are very important to Manchharam. She mainly uses recycled brass because it is as beautiful and durable as traditional brass but has a much smaller environmental impact. She is aware of the fashion industry’s reputation for superficiality and wants to create a more responsible brand. Her gemstones come from trusted partners who follow ethical mining practices. “Jewellery is a luxury,” she says, “but I believe it can do good socially and environmentally.”
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