I HAVE been interested in precious stones since an early age because I was born in Mogok, where rubies, sapphires and many other stones are mined. And my family has been in the jewellery business for generations.

I started collecting jewellery when I was 14. Then, if I wanted something, my father bought it for me. So you can say that my adoration is natural because I have been familiar with jewellery for a long time.

I gain confidence by wearing jewellery. I feel that it completes my overall look.

My choice of ornamentation depends on the event I am going to. What I wear to traditional Myanmar weddings is different from what I wear to parties or dinners. I choose according to the dress code.

Sometimes I search for jewellery that will suit my clothes, and sometimes I buy clothes that matches jewellery I already own.

I like all kinds of stones, but my favourite is peridot. I love its green colour; it makes me feel cool. Peridot is not something normally chosen for ceremonies. Women usually wear diamonds, rubies and sapphires, but even at my engagement ceremony, I wore a whole set of peridots.

My niece owns Manawmaya Jewellery Shop, and she helps me create designs that satisfy me.

Mostly I create my own design by looking through jewellery catalogues and combining elements from different pieces that I like. I also buy things from Rich Gems, Taunggyi Gems, MK and Myanmar VES.

Although I don’t wear a lot of jewellery everyday, I rarely go out without wearing rings or earrings.

– Su Myat Hla