The nation commemorated its birthday this past weekend, with an ever-beloved sea of red and white sweeping through the state. Amidst the celebrations, however, it can be easy to forget that we aren’t Singapore’s only dwellers. There are those who forage in the trees, build lives in our waters, and cross intersections on four legs. Home to some of the region’s richest biodiversity and ecosystems, paying tribute to our country also means paying tribute to these creatures. Enter SoLo Studio, a local jewellery brand founded by Sophie Lok.
Creating handmade jewellery from start to finish, SoLo Studio has released a special collection inspired by Singapore and the animals that have shaped its history as an island nation. Four pieces make up the collection: the Singapore Signet ring, as well as three animal pendants: the otter, hornbill and pangolin. Made of solid 925 sterling silver, each of Lok’s pieces come handcrafted in a curiously unique style that is bound to be a conversation starter. Embodying both a sleek fluidity and an angular shine, the brand’s jewellery looks almost as if delicately forged from foil; as if the object itself has been wrapped up in a sheet of metal. Simple and versatile enough for the quotidian moments of your life, consider it a playful yet insightful way to pay homage to some of Singapore’s diverse wildlife.
In a conversation with Vogue Singapore, Lok offers insight into each of SoLo Studio’s specially-crafted pieces and what goes into her creative process.
Could you tell us about the jewellery you create and how you first got started?
More than anything, I’m drawn to creating jewellery with intention—pieces that carry a meaning, a feeling, or a story behind them. Whether it’s a collection inspired by Singapore, a custom piece created around someone’s personal story, or a design inspired by a texture or form found in nature, I love creating pieces that hold a sense of connection. For me, the most rewarding part is translating these ideas into something tangible that people can wear and make their own.
I first started making jewellery two years ago as a creative outlet during a time when I was at a crossroads in my career. Eventually, I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue it full-time without knowing where it would lead. Since then, it’s grown into something deeply meaningful to me, and a way to create something of my own and connect with people through my work. Every day, I’m still learning, refining my craft, and falling more in love with the art of silversmithing.
How were you inspired by Singapore when making this collection?
With National Day in mind, I wanted to create a collection that celebrates a quieter side of Singapore: the wildlife and heritage that shape our identity but aren’t always in the spotlight. Through pieces inspired by the pangolin, hornbill and otter, I wanted to highlight the incredible biodiversity that exists alongside our cityscape. I also created the Singapore Signet ring as a tribute to our history, with its wave-like texture symbolising our origins as a small trading port and the journey that has shaped Singapore into what it is today.
Why did you choose these animals? Do they mean something special to you?
I wanted to choose animals that people in Singapore would recognise and connect with in their own way. Many of us have encountered otters in our parks and even on busy streets. Others are passionate birdwatchers who appreciate species like the hornbill, while many first learned about the critically endangered Sunda pangolin’s existence on the island in school. Each of these animals holds a special meaning for me as they’re tied to memories and moments I’ve had with Singapore’s wildlife over the years.
How do these animals reflect Singapore’s spirit or landscape?
I think these animals reflect a uniquely Singaporean way of living alongside nature. Even as Singapore has grown into one of the world’s most developed cities, wildlife continues to share the spaces we call home. The species in this collection have all been spotted in our parks, neighbourhoods, streets, and even our homes, reminding us that nature isn’t separate from Singapore. It’s woven into our everyday lives, and something worth celebrating and protecting.
What was the process of creating these pieces like?
Creating this collection was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Each piece began as a sketch before being hand-carved and refined in wax through multiple iterations. After the wax models are cast in sterling silver by a local casting house, every piece is returned to me for the final cleaning, polishing, and finishing by hand. It’s a time-intensive process that takes many hours for each piece, but it allows me to give each one the attention and care it deserves.
Could you share a bit more about your creative process?
My creative process is quite intuitive. I usually begin with a rough idea of what I want to make, but the design evolves as I carve it in wax. As I’m working, different textures and forms naturally come to mind, inspired by small details I’ve noticed in everyday life. Rather than planning every element from the start, I like to let the piece develop organically until it feels complete.
Are symbols of nature something you typically draw from?
Definitely! While the most obvious symbols are animals, nature influences almost everything I make. I’m particularly fascinated by the organic forms, textures, and patterns you find in the natural world—the movement of water, the patterns carved by the wind, and the way nature embraces imperfection and asymmetry. Those elements often find their way into my designs, even when they aren’t immediately recognisable as nature-inspired.
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How do you hope to make buyers feel through this collection, or as they wear the pendant?
I hope that this collection gives people inspiration to remember that great things can come from the most unexpected places. Singapore may be a small island, but it’s home to incredible wildlife and a story of remarkable growth. I hope these pieces encourage people to appreciate both, while reminding them that where they come from never limits what they can become.
