These Asian Jewellery Designers Are Taking The World By Storm

Meet the Asian jewellers stepping onto the global stage

A wealth of the world’s leading jewellery talent sits right on our doorstep. These are just some of the houses worth noting from Hong Kong and across Asia, from celebrity favourites to timeless, one-of-a-kind, collectible crafts.

1. Cindy Chao The Art Jewel

Above Photo: Courtesy of Cindy Chao The Art Jewel

Following in the footsteps of her artistic family, Taiwanese jewellery designer Cindy Chao’s creations reflect the skills she learned as her father’s apprentice, and have featured in museums in Tokyo, London and Washington DC. Her works are categorised into the prestigious Black Label Masterpieces and the more understated White Label collection.

2. Dilys’

Above Photo: Courtesy of Dilys'

From its humble beginnings as a bespoke jeweller, Dilys’ has grown during its 30-year history into a designer jewellery label with a presence in both Hong Kong and Shanghai. All of its custom creations—opulent, contemporary designs steeped in symbolism—are crafted by artisans in a 4,000 sq ft Hong Kong workspace.

3. Emperor Watch and Jewellery

Above Photo: Courtesy of Emperor Watch and Jewellery

A long-term cultivator of quality watches and jewels from leading brands the world over, in 2018 Emperor took the next step and launched its own high jewellery brand, Nuò by Cindy Yeung. The group’s chairperson and chief executive offer, Yeung is also Nuò’s creative director, and draws inspiration from her travels in particular. The brand has launched three collections to date—Majestic, Splendour and Immaculate—with a mission to make high jewellery something for every day.

4. Foo Hang

Above Photo: Courtesy of Foo Hang

With an 80-year history, family-run jeweller Foo Hang has long been a pioneer, becoming the first to import diamonds directly from South Africa. Today it offers its discerning international clientele timelessly elegant jewellery and operates manufacturing and export services as well as a 3D software design service.

5. Austy Lee

Above Photo: Courtesy of Austy Lee

Homegrown designer Austy Lee draws on 20 years of experience in the jewellery industry for the designs under his eponymous brand. Lee’s fascination with cultures both past and present permeate his designs, from an exploration of the cultural significance of jade in China to imperial Japanese motifs.

6. Anna Hu

Above Photo: Courtesy of Anna Hu

Jeweller to the stars Anna Hu has a stellar international reputation. She has an A-list clientele that includes Gwyneth Paltrow and Natalie Portman, and is also a record-breaker: at a 2019 Sotheby’s Hong Kong auction, one of Hu’s works fetched the world record for a piece by a contemporary jewellery artist.

7. Maison Kwan

Above Photo: Courtesy of Maison Kwan

A relative newcomer to the fine jewellery scene, Maison Kwan is a labour of love by Simon Kwan, who brings his passion for Chinese art and culture to pieces, which draw inspiration from nature and wildlife. The brand opened its first store at the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong hotel in March this year, showcasing a range of limited-edition and one-off pieces.

Topics

jewellery high jewellery jewellery designers designer asians asian jewellery designers

Tatler Asia