Hint Of: Where Handmade Rings Meet Gemstone Stories

Hint Of: Where Handmade Rings Meet Gemstone Stories

"I like hiding little surprises in the setting of the stones. It makes each ring feel like a quiet secret between the piece and the wearer. You don’t get it all at once. It grows on you."

Anmako Singapore: Where Japanese Textiles Meet Contemporary Style Reading Hint Of: Where Handmade Rings Meet Gemstone Stories 5 minutes

In a world where jewelry often feels loud or overdesigned, Indonesian brand Hint Of offers something refreshingly different—handmade rings and unique jewelry that whisper rather than shout. Founded by Angelica Celine Iskandar with the belief that jewelry can be a quiet form of self-expression, each piece from Hint Of is designed to reveal a subtle side of who you are. As Angeline herself describes the aesthetic of the brand, it’s “soulful, playful, intentional.”

For women in Malaysia and worldwide shopping for gemstone rings that are meaningful, unique, and crafted by hand, Hint Of provides an answer. The brand’s signature approach blends raw gemstones sourced from Bali and India with organic, imperfect settings that embrace individuality rather than hide it. From beautiful citrines to unusual cuts, no two Hint Of rings are ever alike, making them ideal for women who want jewelry that feels truly personal. At Dia, we are proud to share Hint Of’s quiet yet powerful artistry—rings that don’t just decorate your hands, but become a part of your story. 

In the following interview, Angeline opens up about her brand and creative process.

What drew you to jewelry as a form of expression?
I’ve never been someone who’s naturally expressive—whether through words or even clothing, especially when you’re not always brave enough to show how you feel. But jewelry felt like this small, quiet way to say something. It lets you express a feeling, a part of who you are, without it being too obvious. Just a subtle hint of what’s inside.

What’s been inspiring you lately?
Lately, I’ve been inspired by simple shapes and colors—especially by the way others express their lives in bold, brave, and colorful ways. I want to bring that same energy to life, but in a more subtle, quiet form through my jewelry.

What kind of person do you design for?
I follow what moves me in the moment and try to turn that into something you can wear. The goal isn’t just to make something beautiful, but to make something that feels like it belongs to you—like it adds something to how you feel, not just how you look.

Where do you source your gemstones, and why?
I source my gemstones primarily from Bali and India. Both places offer beautiful stones and a deep connection to craft traditions. I love showing that real gemstones aren’t always perfect—some have unusual colors, odd shapes, or tiny flaws.

Can you tell us about a piece where the stone completely shaped the design?
Yes—there was this soft, bi-color sapphire I found. The design itself was simple but bold, nothing too complicated. But once that stone was set, it completely changed the piece. The sapphire had this quiet charm that made the whole ring feel more interesting—like it had a story of its own.

What is your favorite and least favorite part of the production process?
It’s actually the same part—polishing. It takes so much time and detail, and sometimes it’s hard to tell if the piece is going to turn out the way you imagined. But once it’s polished, you finally see it come to life. That moment makes all the frustration worth it.

How do you balance handcraft with consistency in quality?
I set clear rules for the parts that matter—fit, strength, and how the stone sits. But beyond that, I let the piece be what it wants to be. Each one’s a little different, and I like that. It keeps the human touch alive.

What’s one detail in your rings that people often overlook?
I don’t always set stones in the “perfect” spot. Sometimes they’re off-center, slightly sunken, or feel like they’ve just landed there—and that’s intentional. I like hiding little surprises in the setting. It makes each ring feel like a quiet secret between the piece and the wearer. You don’t get it all at once. It grows on you.

What has been the most fulfilling aspect of having your own brand?
There are so many fulfilling things about having your own brand—like seeing someone not just buy your work, but actually wear it and love it. But if I had to choose one, it would be connecting with customers who want to create something meaningful. When someone understands what I’m trying to do and trusts me with a piece that holds personal meaning—that’s the most rewarding part. That kind of trust reminds me why I started.