Luzerne Celebrates Singapore’s Diamond Jubilee.

Luzerne’s journey from its humble beginnings in post-war Singapore to becoming a celebrated name in the tableware industry is one of perseverance, innovation, and deep-rooted tradition. What began as a modest family importing business in 1947 flourished into a vibrant company known for its exquisite craftsmanship and visionary approach.

Luzerne's heritage is deeply intertwined with Singapore’s own remarkable journey, reflecting the nation's transformation from its early years into a global powerhouse. Just as Singapore has evolved, so has Luzerne, growing alongside the city-state’s dynamic progress.

This shared journey is embodied in the SG60 Diamond Collection, created to commemorate Singapore’s 60th anniversary of independence. More than just a set of finely-crafted tableware, each piece in the collection tells a story of Singapore’s achievements, its aspirations for the future, and Luzerne’s enduring commitment to excellence. The collection not only celebrates the nation’s past but also honours the rich heritage of craftsmanship that has defined Luzerne from the very beginning.

FROM IMPORT TO INNOVATION

Luzerne traces its origins to 1947, when the late Mr Lek Song Cheng, grandfather of the company’s current CEO Ms Elaine Lek, founded Hiap Huat Pottery, an importer of housewares along Beach Road. Over time, it expanded its reach into neighbouring markets such as Malaysia and Indonesia. In the 1970s, the company restructured and diversified into manufacturing and property development, paving the way for larger-scale production.

In 1994, a pivotal moment arrived when Lek’s sons, Steven, Peter and Ting Hoe, acquired a struggling porcelain factory in Dehua, China. At the time, the region wasn’t yet known for global ceramic production, but the Lek family saw potential. Their decision to set up operations in Dehua made Hiap Huat Holdings the first Singapore-owned company to invest there, marking the beginning of their journey into large-scale tableware production.

By the early 2000s, as China’s hospitality industry grew, so did the demand for distinctive and high-quality tableware. The company responded by investing in cutting-edge production equipment, and in 2004, Luzerne was born – Singapore-owned, Dehua-made, and dedicated to impeccable craftsmanship. The shift from contract manufacturing to proprietary design in 2010 marked a significant milestone, establishing Luzerne as an internationally recognised brand known for its design accessibility and consistent quality.

FIRING TRADITION INTO THE FUTURE

Luzerne’s decision to base manufacturing in Dehua was key to its success. The region’s historic legacy of Blanc de Chine has made it a global hub for fine porcelain production. Today, Dehua’s kilns are celebrated by UNESCO, and the town is recognised as The World Porcelain City and National Civilised City.

Luzerne remains steadfast in its mission: to offer innovative, sustainable, and thoughtfully designed tableware that connects people, celebrates heritage, and elevates dining experiences worldwide.

Luzerne’s state-of-the-art factory in Dehua produces up to 28 million pieces annually, blending traditional techniques with modern technology. The company uses kaolin clay, native to Dehua, to create porcelain in a distinctive soft ivory hue. What truly sets Luzerne apart, however, is its pioneering use of bone ash-free formulations—a more ethical, environmentally-friendly approach that reflects both cultural respect and forward-thinking sustainability. Luzerne’s commitment to inclusivity is further exemplified by its status as the world’s first halal-certified porcelain factory.

Beyond sustainability, Luzerne holds itself to the highest standards of quality. Each piece undergoes rigorous testing to meet global food safety and durability requirements. Today, Luzerne distributes to over 66 countries, supported by a dedicated team of 800 employees and over 45 distributors.

Beautifully crafted tableware should be part of everyday life.

MORE THAN TABLEWARE: THE LUZERNE EXPERIENCE

At Luzerne, design is more than just form—it’s about significance. Each piece of tableware tells a story, connecting people and bringing out the Everyday Best. This brand ethos, which blends timeless craftsmanship with modern sensibilities, has earned Luzerne a place among the world’s most respected names. The brand’s clientele includes Michelin-starred chefs, luxury hotels, and cultural institutions. Luzerne has even partnered with Singapore Airlines to transform in-flight dining into an elegant experience.

But Luzerne’s vision goes beyond the corporate world. The brand believes that beautifully crafted tableware should be part of everyday life. In 2020, Luzerne launched an online store, recognising the growing appreciation for shared meals at home. The company’s retail ambitions expanded in 2022 with the opening of its first physical store, The Shop, located in its Green Mark Platinum-certified building.

SG60 Diamond Plate with Stand

A NATION’S STORY IN CERAMIC

The SG60 Diamond Collection stands as a meaningful tribute to Singapore’s 60 years of independence. Designed to reflect key milestones in the nation’s history, the collection traces Singapore’s evolution from its early challenges to its rise as a Smart Nation. The collection blends Chinese calligraphy with watercolour artistry, capturing key moments from the 1960s to the 2020s and beyond.

These moments include a scene of Chinatown in newly independent Singapore, the Dragon Playground, the launch of SMRT’s East-West Line, the flourishing of arts and culture with Esplanade, the commitment to heritage preservation with Botanic Gardens, and the skyline of Singapore.

Each piece is a work of art, created in collaboration with Associate Professor Ng Woon Lam, a distinguished member of both the National and American Watercolour Societies. This exquisite collection, available for retail, features artworks that depict Singapore’s most iconic eras. It includes the 30cm Singapura Plate, a striking piece that serves beautifully as a charger or stand-alone showpiece, the SG60 Singapura 6-plate Set (16cm) that is ideal for desserts or small sharing plates, and the SG60 Kopi Set, a six-piece espresso set inspired by Singapore’s ‘kopi’ culture—where stories and politics are exchanged over strong, steaming brews. Also part of the emblematic quartet in the collection is the SG60 Diamond Plate, a limited-edition centrepiece measuring 50cm in diameter. Only 60 pieces are created, each individually numbered with a rhyming backstamp.

A LEGACY CAST IN CERAMIC

For decades, Luzerne has set the standard in combining innovation with exceptional craftsmanship. With a strong commitment to storytelling through design, the brand has crafted collections that transcend functionality and reflect deep cultural narratives. The SG60 Diamond Collection stands as a testament to both Singapore’s history and Luzerne’s role in shaping that narrative.

Luzerne has attained several accolades in international design awards, such as Tableware International, A’ Design, iF, and Red Dot, reflecting its ongoing commitment to creative excellence. On the sustainability front, Luzerne was also awarded the EcoVadis recognition in late 2024 – a global standard that assesses businesses across environmental, social, and ethical criteria. These achievements align with Luzerne’s induction into Singapore’s ‘Made With Passion’ Hall of Fame, a national initiative by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Enterprise Singapore to celebrate outstanding homegrown lifestyle brands.

Luzerne’s achievements extend beyond design and sustainability. As part of its commitment to giving back, the brand aims to donate the SG60 Diamond Plate – with just 60 pieces in circulation – directly to 60 Social Service Agencies (SSAs), empowering them to raise funds through their own outreach. This is not the first time that Luzerne has evoked art to do good for society. In 2015, to mark Singapore’s Golden Jubilee, it partnered with Community Chest and Professor Ng to raise close to S$500,000 through the auction of 50 commemorative plates. This serves as a powerful testament to how ceramic artistry can honour heritage and uplift communities.

With a strong commitment to storytelling through design, Luzerne has crafted collections that transcend functionality and reflect deep cultural narratives.

As the brand expands into retail markets in Singapore and China, Luzerne remains steadfast in its mission: to offer innovative, sustainable, and thoughtfully designed tableware that connects people, celebrates heritage, and elevates dining experiences worldwide.

Through its Singaporean roots and dedication to craftsmanship, Luzerne continues to bring a sense of home, heritage, and purpose to dining tables across the globe.