Heritage-Inspired Jewellery and Homeware
That’ll Impress Your Family and Friends

What makes the perfect gift? That is the question we often ask, especially when birthdays, anniversaries, and the holiday season come around. In a recent study, over half of those surveyed said gifts should be meaningful – symbolising how important and valued the recipient is.

What could be more meaningful than a gift that combines history, culture, style and functionality all in one? Forbidden Hill does just that. Established in Singapore in 2018, the lifestyle brand offers an eclectic array of stylish pieces that range from bangles and cuffs to earrings, cufflinks, and lacquer homewares. What makes Forbidden Hill stand out, is undoubtedly its celebration of Southeast Asia’s rich visual tapestry. It does so by blending craft traditions, motifs and iconography with contemporary designs fit for the modern-day man and woman.

Working with carefully-selected artisans in the region, the brand’s collection of jewellery pieces and home accessories boast quality craftsmanship and attention-to-detail – think elegant materials such as gold, rhodium, silk and Vietnamese lacquer.

If you’re looking for the ideal gift for each of your loved ones, here are some standout options that’ll delight the different personality types you may be shopping for.

We know it can be difficult to shop for the most stylish lady in your life – especially if she loves changing up her style every other day. But here’s a tip: if you want to impress your style-savvy friend, sister, or mother, opt for a versatile piece of jewellery that will match her every mood and outfit.

The Forbidden Hill Bangle in three stunning designs – the Huế, Lotus and Iskandar – is sure to become her new favourite accessory as it cleverly melds a modern design with the beauty of Southeast Asian history. Each bangle also comes with three pairs of interchangeable Silk Slides in vibrant hues such as Peacock Green, Sunset Orange, and Guava Pink for easy customisation. 

For those who change outfits as often as they change their minds, top it off with additional silk slides. As the perfect accompaniment to the bangle, this collection of five silk slides comprises shimmering hues such as Dragon Red and Orchid Purple – allowing style chameleons to experiment with more colour options for every outfit.

On days when she wants to elevate her ensemble even more, a pair of heritage-inspired earrings will do the trick. Add a touch of elegance to any outfit with the striking Ban Zu Earrings. This pair will surely turn heads with its lattice pattern of coloured resin, that takes inspiration from Chinese ceramics traded in 14^th century Singapore.

Gift shopping for your father, brother, or beau usually means one of these few things: socks, ties, or perhaps a fancy new gadget. All are good options, but if you want to take it up a notch in the style arena, a pair of stylish cufflinks is a great gift idea.

Forbidden Hill offers a selection of cufflinks – each with a distinct style for the different gents in your life. Dapper gents with a love for bold colours will surely appreciate the Melaka Cufflinks. Its striking octagram design in shades such as Jade Green and Imperial Blue makes these cufflinks suitable for elegant evening occasions.

Looking for something that also works for a daytime look or an office ensemble? Consider the Ban Zu Cufflinks. Crafted with 925 sterling silver and resin insets with a contemporary take on a classic Chinese motif, this pair will add just the right balance of heritage and style to any suit.

Everyone knows that being a good guest means never turning up to someone’s home empty-handed. When it comes to gifts, you can’t go wrong with a bottle of wine. But for your favourite hostess, you’ll want to go the extra mile with something unique and elegant that’ll truly impress her.

If you’re searching for a gift that will earn you some brownie points, look to Forbidden Hill’s home accessories range. Case in point: the elegant lacquer trays bearing iconic Southeast Asia motifs such as the majestic lion, Cirebon batik and Malaysian hibiscus flower. Available in two sizes, the tea trays and vanity trays are not only functional but beautiful too. The high gloss finish and curved surfaces bring out the lacquer’s vivid colours, vibrant designs, and deep shine.

It’s safe to say that we all have that one friend with a Type A personality: neat and organised yet with a love for accessories. While their clutter-free lifestyle may make gift-giving a little tough, here’s where functional gifts come into play.

Sometimes, the most thoughtful gifts for these recipients can come in the form of organisation-friendly items that keep their homes looking as neat as a pin. Whether it’s for trinkets, rings or other small jewellery pieces, the Autumn Lantern Ring Box is a beautiful keepsake that makes the perfect gift for jewellery collectors.

After all, where better to store any precious items than this petite lacquer box adorned with the tangerine orange and silver motifs of traditional Vietnamese silk lanterns? For those with more regal tastes, the Tropical Queen Ring Box is a winner. It features the national flower of Malaysia in beautiful carmine rose, chestnut brown, and gold hues.

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