LIVING THE LEGACY

How does one build — and even put one’s own spin — on the achievements of generations before?

- MARY LIM & MARIE WEE

SHANYA AMARASURIYA

creative director, B P de Silva Jewellers

Shanya Amarasuriya often looks back on the legacy established by her great-great-grandfather, to draw on his spirit of caring for others. As she shares: “The most meaningful things in life are deeds left unseen and accomplished without care for recognition.”

In 1869, Balage Porolis de Silva left his native Sri Lanka for Singapore, where he set up shop to sell gems. BP de Silva, founded in 1872, would become the leading artisanal jeweller of its time, with prominent clients such as Queen Victoria (UK) and King Chulalongkorn (Siam), as well as politicians and tycoons. Now 148 years old, it has expanded its interests beyond jewellery. In 2000, it acquired Risis and transformed it into a lifestyle brand. The company also ventured into premium F&B (1872 Clipper Tea Co, and Senso and Spizza restaurants) and luxury watches (Audemars Piguet).

Amarasuriya, who joined BP de Silva Jewellers in 2018 — following in the footsteps of her older brothers Navin and Rehan — took a while to find her calling.

“I was always interested in fashion design,” she says, “but after spending years learning about the business, and even interning at some of the subsidiaries, I discovered an innate connection with gemstones.”

GIVING MEANING TO MEMORIES