Meet the Heart Behind Cher Borneo Pearl
Tucked in the corner of Wisma Merdeka’s bustling shopping row stands a charming boutique with an elegant signage: Cher Borneo Pearl. Step inside, and you’ll find a thoughtfully curated space filled with a radiant display of jewellery, from delicate earrings to striking necklaces and timeless rings. Each piece showcases the finest selection of vintage jadeite, coloured gemstones, and luminous pearls, inviting customers to discover beauty, craftsmanship, and stories waiting to be worn.
We had the pleasure of sitting down with one of the owners, Cheryl, to learn more about her passion behind Cher Borneo Pearl — from the inspiration that started it all to how each material and piece is carefully sourced and crafted.
Q: What is the story behind Cher Borneo Pearl?
Cheryl: Cher Borneo Pearl is more than just a jewellery brand, it’s a heartfelt journey that began long before our boutique doors opened in 2008. Our roots trace back to my family’s goldsmith shop, where I grew up surrounded by the beauty of tradition, trust, and timeless craftsmanship. Those early lessons laid the foundation for everything we do today.
In 2008, my husband, Alec, and I opened our first boutique at the Hyatt Regency, driven by a shared dream to showcase the radiant charm of coloured gemstone jewellery. Each piece is lovingly designed by the two of us, blending artistry with emotion. What began as a business soon blossomed into a true passion, an expression of creativity, storytelling, and heritage.
Every piece from Cher Borneo Pearl is created with heart and soul, inspired by the rich cultural tapestry of Borneo. It’s not just jewellery — it’s something to be cherished, with a story to be worn and remembered.
Q: What inspired you to start a business focused on gemstones? Was there a personal connection or story behind it?
Cheryl: The spark was lit early on through my mother’s jewellery box. She kept a small but meaningful collection of vintage jadeite, star ruby, and lustrous pearls. One piece in particular — a ring gifted by my late father — was only worn on the most special occasions. As a child, I was captivated by the quiet beauty of those pieces. They weren’t just accessories; they were stories — symbols of grace, strength, and enduring love.
Years later, while travelling across Asia with Alec, our shared fascination with gemstones deepened. We were struck by their cultural significance, the intricate artistry behind each cut, and the deep stories they carried across generations. That passion led us to become Certified Accredited Gemologists through the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences (AIGS) in 2007. It was a transformative journey — one that not only honed our skills but also reaffirmed our dream: to create jewellery that celebrates heritage, emotion, and timeless beauty.
Q: Can you walk us through your creative process, from sourcing the materials to designing a piece?
Cheryl: At the heart of our design process lies an unwavering respect for materials. Each creation begins with a meticulous search for the finest pearls and gemstones, sourced not just for their beauty but for their quality, rarity, and ethical origins. From the crystal-clear waters of Borneo to the coasts of Japan, Australia, and Tahiti, we handpick pearls that are as individual as fingerprints, each carrying its own story and elegance. For jadeite and richly hued coloured stones, Alec and I personally travel to trusted sources around the world, selecting pieces that resonate with both natural beauty and soulful energy.
Once these treasures are in hand, the design journey truly begins. Alec and I collaborate closely, blending our ideas through sketches and thoughtful discussions, before partnering with skilled artisans to bring each concept to life. Our approach is deeply rooted in heritage and authenticity, yet always guided by a modern, refined aesthetic. Every piece we craft is more than jewellery — it’s a story brought to life, designed to celebrate individuality, connection, and timeless elegance.
Q: Pearls and jadeite were once considered gemstones for older generations. Would you say younger people are now embracing them more, and if so, why?
Cheryl: Absolutely, pearls and jadeite are making a strong comeback, especially among younger audiences who appreciate authenticity and personal meaning in their style. At Cher, we love reimagining pearls, particularly baroque ones, by pairing them with bold elements like leather, oxidised silver, or architectural settings. This unexpected contrast gives the pieces a fresh, modern edge while still honouring the organic beauty of the pearls.
Jadeite has also evolved from its traditional roots. We’re seeing it embraced in minimalist designs or carved into symbolic motifs like flowers or animals, making each piece feel more intimate and relevant. These reinterpretations allow jadeite to connect with a new generation as a meaningful, wearable expression of heritage and individuality.
Q: What advice would you give someone choosing their first piece of gemstone jewellery?
Cheryl: For anyone selecting their first piece of gemstone jewellery, pearls are a timeless yet refreshingly modern choice. Once seen as traditional, they’ve evolved into a versatile, unisex statement embraced by all ages for their natural elegance and emotional depth. At Cher, we love how pearls balance sophistication with individuality, whether styled in classic strands or bold, contemporary designs. They’re more than just beautiful, they’re personal, making them the perfect introduction to meaningful, lasting jewellery.
Q: Do you find that customers are increasingly interested in the investment value of gemstones, or are they more drawn to the aesthetic and symbolism?
Cheryl: Today’s customers are increasingly seeking gemstones that offer both investment potential and emotional significance. Collectors and discerning clients, in particular, are becoming more conscious of the long-term value of rare coloured gemstones, such as rubies over three carats or South Sea pearls above 18mm. These stones, prized for their scarcity and strong market appreciation, offer a compelling combination of beauty and financial promise.
However, many customers are equally drawn to the aesthetic and personal symbolism that gemstones carry. Whether it’s a birthstone, a stone chosen for its healing properties, or one with deep personal meaning, the emotional connection to a piece is powerful. In most cases, the decision to purchase blends both value and sentiment, making each piece not just an investment, but a meaningful, timeless treasure.
Q: Do you have a favourite type of gemstone, and if so, what makes it special to you?
Cheryl: Ruby has always been my favourite gemstone, especially my six-carat sugarloaf cabochon ruby, a deeply meaningful wedding gift from my husband. For pearls, I’m particularly drawn to Golden South Sea pearls, especially those exceptional 18mm ones, with their rich warmth and luminous beauty. As for jadeite, I’m enchanted by icy jadeite’s delicate translucence and ethereal glow.
One of my most cherished pieces is a carved icy jadeite Buddha’s hand, a treasured inheritance from my late father. This heirloom carries deep emotional value and connects me to my heritage, reminding me of the power that gemstones can have, not just as beautiful adornments, but as meaningful symbols of love, legacy, and personal connection.
From its humble beginnings rooted in family tradition to becoming a cherished name in artisan jewellery, Cher Borneo Pearl continues to weave heritage with heart, and craftsmanship with creativity. Follow them on social media to explore their latest collections and behind-the-scenes moments: Facebook | Instagram
