Habib Jewels unveils Italian craftsmanship in gold

Habib Jewels Sdn Bhd is bringing the artistry of Italian jewellery-making closer to Malaysians through its Festa D'Oro 2026 campaign, which runs until July 30 across all its showrooms

Habib Jewels Sdn Bhd is bringing the artistry of Italian jewellery-making closer to Malaysians through its Festa D'Oro 2026 campaign, which runs until July 30 across all its showrooms.

The campaign celebrates the Oro Italia 916 collection, where traditional Italian craftsmanship meets 916 gold to create jewellery that blends timeless elegance with contemporary design.

Group executive chairman Datuk Seri Meer Habib said the campaign reflects the company's commitment to offering jewellery that combines exceptional craftsmanship, lasting value and designs tailored to Malaysian lifestyles.

He said the Oro Italia 916 collection continues to bring international design excellence together with the quality and trust that Habib has built over generations.

Beyond the aesthetics, Italian jewellery expert Paolo, one of Habib's long-time manufacturing partners from Italy, said every piece begins with uncompromising quality control before the design itself takes shape.

"Quality is number one. Every single element must be checked before assembling the item. Everything has to be perfect before it comes out into the market," he said.

Paolo said crafting jewellery in 916 gold presents unique challenges because of the metal's softness compared with lower-purity gold commonly used in Europe.

"22-carat gold is not easy to work with. It is soft and delicate, so every alloy and every manufacturing step has to be carefully controlled to make it stronger and long-lasting," he said.

Among this year's highlights is the Black Cavo collection, which introduces a bold contemporary look through black rhodium plating applied over 916 yellow gold.

"Cavo is elegant, timeless and very resistant. The diamond-cut finishing gives it exceptional sparkle, and every engraving requires highly skilled craftsmanship.

"The purity always remains 916. If the black finish fades over time, it can be replated, so there is no issue with the gold itself," said Paolo.

The campaign also features refreshed designs from the Sicilia collection, inspired by the dramatic beauty of the Italian island of Sicily.

Meanwhile, the Beads Planet collection introduces handcrafted oval-shaped beads as a contemporary evolution of its signature oval-shaped bead design.

Available in yellow gold, white gold and bi-colour variations, the collection offers customers a versatile everyday style while retaining the meticulous hand-finishing synonymous with Italian craftsmanship.

For customers seeking bolder statement pieces, the Stella collection showcases wider silhouettes enhanced by precision diamond-cut finishing that captures and reflects light to maximise the brilliance of 916 gold without compromising wearability.

Making its debut this year is the Valora collection, inspired by the quiet strength and resilience of bamboo.

Paolo said the collaboration between Habib and its Italian partners spans more than two decades and has helped pioneer Italian-designed jewellery crafted in 916 gold.

He said Italy traditionally specialised in producing 18-carat jewellery before Habib challenged its craftsmen to develop the expertise required for 22-carat gold.

"More than 20 years ago, Italy mainly produced 18-carat jewellery. Habib believed there was a future for Italian-designed 22-carat jewellery and challenged us to improve our workmanship until we achieved the right result.

"Today, I believe it has become a successful choice because the designs are classic, elegant and timeless," he said.

Paolo also observed that Malaysian consumers have a different appreciation for gold compared with Europeans.

"In Europe, many young people would rather spend money on a smartphone than jewellery. Malaysians are different because they understand that gold keeps its value. It is something beautiful to wear, but it is also an investment," he said.

 

Source: New Straits Times