[Feature] Mad About Gems: How Singaporean Radio DJ Joakim Gomez Built An Award-Winning Bespoke Jewellery Brand

The Corporate Snapshot

In the glittering world of high-end jewellery, where heritage brands often dominate, a challenger has emerged from an unexpected origin story. Mad About Gems isn't just another jewellery label; it's a narrative-driven brand born from a radio DJ's passion for storytelling through precious stones. Founded by Singaporean media personality Joakim Gomez, the company has carved a distinct niche in the bespoke and fine jewellery market, particularly resonating with a younger, more design-conscious clientele across Singapore and Malaysia.

• 🏢 Entity: Mad About Gems Pte Ltd
• 🎯 Area of Expertise: Bespoke & Fine Jewellery Design, Luxury Retail
• 📍 Market Status: Award-Winning Challenger Brand

The Scoop: What's New?

The brand recently clinched the "Best in Jewellery Design" award at the 2023 Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards, a significant milestone that validates its creative vision beyond its founder's celebrity status. This accolade follows a period of steady 40% year-on-year growth in the Malaysian market, where clients are increasingly seeking personalised, meaningful pieces over mass-produced luxury. The brand's entry and success in Malaysia highlight a shifting consumer preference for authenticity and narrative in the region's luxury segment.

Executive Insights: The Conversation

Sitting down with Joakim Gomez, the energy is less that of a corporate CEO and more of a passionate curator. He reflects that the leap from radio to jewellery wasn't as vast as it seems. "In radio, you connect through sound and story. With jewellery, the medium changes to metal and gemstones, but the core is still connection," he explains. The strategy for entering Malaysia was deeply intentional. He observed a gap for bespoke services that didn't feel intimidating or overly traditional.

When asked about the brand's philosophy, Gomez emphasizes that Mad About Gems is built on "demystifying luxury." He notes that many clients, especially in Malaysia, come with heirloom stones or specific sentimental ideas but feel alienated by conventional jewellers. "Our process starts with a conversation, not a catalogue. We're not just selling a product; we're co-creating a wearable memory." This client-centric approach, he believes, is the key differentiator in a competitive market.

On future plans, Gomez reveals a measured approach to expansion. "The award isn't a signal to mass-produce. It's a confirmation that our belief in slow, thoughtful jewellery has a place." He hints at exploring deeper collaborations with Malaysian artisans to incorporate local motifs into contemporary designs, seeing it as a two-way cultural exchange rather than a simple market entry.

Professional Highlights & Track Record

• Won "Best in Jewellery Design" at the 2023 Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards.
• Achieved consistent 40% YoY growth in the Malaysian market since strategic entry.
• Successfully pivoted from a founder-driven celebrity brand to an award-winning design house recognized for its craft.
• Built a robust clientele for bespoke engagement and heirloom redesign services in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
• Featured in regional luxury and business publications, shifting perception from "celebrity side project" to serious industry player.

The Verdict

Mad About Gems presents a fascinating case study in brand building. It proves that deep domain expertise can spring from adjacent skills like storytelling and client engagement. Gomez has successfully translated his ability to build audience rapport into creating intimate, custom luxury experiences. The brand's growth in Malaysia underscores a market ripe for personalised luxury, moving beyond logo-centric purchases. The challenge ahead will be scaling its bespoke ethos without diluting the intimate service that defines it.

• 📈 Market Impact: 7/10 (Strong in niche, building regional recognition)
• 💡 Innovation Level: 8/10 (Innovative in client journey & design personalisation)
• 🚀 Growth Potential: 8/10 (High in bespoke segment, scalable model to watch)

"Mad About Gems is less about disrupting the jewellery box, and more about thoughtfully rearranging its contents for a new generation of collectors."