July 31, 2024

Since 1872: A Heritage of Dreams, Dedication, and Safekeeping

Dreams

A framed portrait of Founder Balage Porolis de Silva, at the B.P. de Silva flagship boutique in 14C Dempsey’s Heritage Wall.

In the 1800s, our Founder, Balage Porolis de Silva, and his father left their hometown of Galle, Ceylon, with just a pocketful of gemstones, and embarked on a grand voyage that took them through the Far East, Europe, and the many seas beyond.

In 1869, Singapore was chosen as the place to establish his eponymous brand.

High Street in the late 1800s on the left, and High Street as it is today on the right.

B.P. de Silva Jewellers’ first store along High Street, first built in 1872, three years after B.P. de Silva’s arrival in Singapore.

Dedication

After three years of building a name synonymous with integrity, B.P. de Silva opened its first jewellery shop at High Street in 1872. Our Founder’s dedication to craft and commitment to excellence earned him a reputation for jewels and objets d’art of the finest quality.

"...sincere thanks for the beautiful gift that they have presented to him, and which he will always treasure as a memento of his first visit to Singapore"

-Godfrey Thomas, private secretary to His Royal Highness the Price of Wales in 1922

Intricate gold bangles, necklaces and floral pendant in the early-mid 20th century by B.P de Silva on the left, at the Singapore National Museum, and Gold and Pearl Pendant and Box by B.P de Silva in late 19th/early 20th century, displayed at the Peranakan Museum of Singapore.

He travelled far and wide, meeting with his ever-growing discerning clientele and the brand crafted for noblemen even beyond Singapore. Even the most elaborate jewellery designs, including exquisite Peranakan jewels, were brought to life by his team of craftsmen, mostly from his hometown in Galle, a place renowned for its goldsmiths.

The Duke and Duchess of Connaught, royal patrons of B.P. de Silva.

B.P. de Silva’s logo as an appointed Royal Jeweller in the 1900s

By the 1900’s B.P. de Silva came to be known as a Royal Jeweller, having received numerous royal commissions, the first one being from the Duke of Connaught. The brand would go on to serve other royal families across the globe, including the Sultan of Johore, King Edward VII and Queen Victoria of Great Britain, and His Majesty, The King of Siam, to name a few.

Safekeeping

The time-honoured history of letter-writing at B.P. de Silva began with its Founder.

Aside from integrity and high quality craftsmanship, B.P. de Silva is also a brand built on connection. Our Founder was known for writing letters to reach out to people, building relationships and maintaining bonds through thoughtful correspondence.

This tradition of letter writing is kept alive at B.P. de Silva even today - perhaps a family trait, as our Founder’s great great granddaughter also has a penchant for letter writing.

In August, we’re launching new designs of our High Street Collection, and through it, we honour the dreams, dedication, and safekeeping that have shaped B.P. de Silva into the independent luxury label it is today.

For those of you joining us at our High Street Event on the 3rd of August, we are incredibly excited to share more of our stories with you in person. We received tremendous interest, and we’re truly heartened. If you’re on the waiting list, please stay close as our Jewellery Specialists will be in touch if a slot opens up.

For those of you who didn’t manage to secure a slot, especially those in our community residing outside of Singapore, come connect with us either through our digital channels (We’re @bpdesilvajewellers on Facebook/Instagram and TikTok), or perhaps sign up to our mailing list to ensure you get first dibs on our latest happenings.