From Classic to Contemporary: The Best Jewellery Brands in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is known for its bustling shopping scene and is a popular destination for those in search of high-quality jewellery. With a plethora of options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right brand. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top jewellery brands in Hong Kong that are renowned for their exquisite designs, superior craftsmanship, and exceptional quality. Whether you’re in search of a statement piece or something more subtle, these brands have got you covered.

Qeelin

The backbone of Qeelin’s designs is deeply rooted in giving a contemporary twist to traditional symbols thus holding on to the Chinese heritage and also being in the likes of the modern consumers. For instance, one of Qeelin’s iconic collections is the Wulu which is significantly inspired by Wu Lu (or Wu Lou) which represents prosperity and positive vibes in Chinese culture. The brand is also known for its playful pieces of bijouterie like the Bo Bo Gang collection which has a diamond-embellished panda as the focal point.

Niessing

Marrying the Bauhaus philosophy of design with the concept of minimalism is this jewellery brand Niessing with a rich history spanning up to 150 years. Through these 15 decades, it has continuously stayed true to its craftsmanship by creating jewellery pieces like tension rings, as Niessing calls them Spannrings, that maintain the mark’s design DNA while also appealing to the modern crowd. Beyond this, Niessing is known for its unique range of colours, including about 15 shades of gold and its newest addition a rose gold one named Supla Grenadine, that have all been created through alloying. Such a diverse range of colours in combination with the many design options allows people to create bespoke ornates.

Also Read: Rose Hip: The lasting allure of rose gold jewellery

Cindy Chao – The Art Jewel

Described as vividly artistic in nature, Taiwanese jeweller Cindy Chao’s The Art Jewel has heavy influences from both Eastern and Western techniques. It is appreciated for its unique jewellery designs that are a result of its creative process that begins with a two-dimensional layout of the jewel which is followed by the lost-wax casting technique to form a three-dimensional sculpture thus resulting in the brand’s standout 3D jewelleries. This particular style of craftsmanship is also reflected in the brand’s latest collections – Black Label Masterpieces and White Label Collection – especially in one standout piece, the Cabochon Colombian emerald-centred Spring Cardamom Brooch.

Austy Lee Art Jewellery

Rooted in creating vintage-inspired jewels that also look edgy, Austy Lee Art Jewellery is a brand that focuses on creating unique pieces of jewellery that cater to fashionable people. As Austy Lee Jewellery precisely puts it, the designs from the brand are “psychedelic.” Moreover, with its founder having a strong connection with jade, the brand has many earrings, necklaces, rings, and more that feature jade gemstones in them. In fact, there is even a collection named Jade Dynasty that has jade as its main attraction.

Also Read: All About Jadeite: A Symbol of Wealth and Status

Kajal Naina

As a recipient of the prestigious A’ Design Award and Competition, Kajal Naina is a jewellery brand that tries to narrate a story through every single ornament. The jewellery makers here pay attention to every single detail – every stone and every carving – so that the result is nothing but an enticing ornament that will easily catch people’s attention. As its founder explains, the purpose of these pieces of jewellery is not just to elevate a person’s beauty but also their spirit. Moreover, Kajal Naina is particularly known for its collection of pearl necklaces with zodiac symbols.

Women’s Resilience: As tough as natural diamond

In times of challenges, Female Entrepreneurs Worldwide (FEW), together with Gafencu and De Beers, worked together to interview several influential women who can inspire us to shine bright, no matter how dark the shadows sometimes seem. We believe that the strength of a woman’s spirit is as resilient as that of a natural diamond itself, born through hard work and under intense pressure.

Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu total circle alison chan el azar
Alison Chan El Azar wears Portraits of Nature by De Beers High Jewellery Collection

Alison Chan El Azar
HK Influencer

Alison didn’t always know what she wanted in life, but she knows that she can do something big, something important. She is always working to be a better version of herself – just like a natural diamond – when it’s polished and incorporated into a piece of jewellery, it will transform into a truly one-of-a-kind piece.

Read more here

Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu total circle victoria tang-owen Thirty30 creative
Victoria Tang-Owen wears De Beers Jewellers’ Enchanted Lotus High Jewellery Collection

Victoria Tang-Owen
Founder of Thirty30 Creative & Victoria Tang Studio

Victoria understands that “starting a business is tough, especially being a women-owned business. It takes courage and discipline.” I like the touch and feel of rough diamonds, understated yet powerful. Just like in life, some things do not have to be polished or perfect. 

Read more here

Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu total circle ruth chao RCS
Ruth Chao wears De Beers Jewellers’ Ellesmere Treasure High Jewellery Collection

Ruth Chao
Founder of RCS

“We are what we think. We become what we do. Creating for businesses with positive impact and meaningful causes is what fuels my fire of creativity.” The strength of Ruth is like the stunning diamond jewellery she is wearing – rare, finite, and extremely difficult to find.”

Read more here

Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu total circle diana chou
Diana Chou wears De Beers Jewellers’ Portraits of Nature High Jewellery Collection

Diana Chou
Chairman of Dragon General Aviation Group (DGA)

Diana Chou, the founder and Chairman of Dragon General Aviation Group, (DGA), has over time been a strong leader and mentor for up and coming female entrepreneurs. “When you see a natural diamond, you don’t know its brilliance until you have to shape it, polish it, before it will shine. This is just like a woman going through life, and they need to be polished before they can shine”.

Read more here

10 Tips to invite successful people to be your mentor

Diana Chou is the founder and chairman of Dragon General Aviation Group (DGA) while Anna Wong and Ines Gafi are founders of Female Entrepreneurs Worldwide (FEW). Diana also sits on the board of directors of FEW from the early years and she always shared with them that sometimes we  need to experience setbacks in order to learn and grow – it’s like a caterpillar that undergoes a transformational process to become a butterfly.

Anna: “Diana is a wonderful mentor because she shares her life, experiences, and struggles. She let me see how she manages the ups and downs in her life. She invites me to her business meetings and friends gatherings. She let me see how she runs things.”

Ines: “Diana is a great inspiration, as she inspires us to pay it forward and mentor other younger women. And we are constantly looking for more great business and corporate leaders to mentor our members.”

Also read: Women’s Resilience: As tough as natural diamonds

10 Tips to invite successful people to be your mentor

  1. Do not look like a helpless and miserable young woman.
  2. Dress “one level up” – if you are just a manager, you could dress like a future director in the office; If you’re an entrepreneur, please dress like a successful entrepreneur.
  3. Show them that you have the talent to do it through your work ethic and achievements.
  4. Sell your passion and bring in positive energy to people’s life. 
  5. Demonstrate you’re doing something to drive a positive impact in society, as they want to give back to the society too.
  6. Be genuine. You get to truly love the people you’re with. Try not to make friends with people because of their status or money.
  7. Invite them to a coffee meeting. Tell them sincerely about what you admire about them and want to learn from them.
  8. Join platforms like FEW or other business associations based on your needs.
  9. Say thank you or send a gift for their guidance and trust in you.
  10. No need to rush into any relationship. You also need to know that if you can work and communicate well with the person who’s goingto help guide you.

 

Read more from other inspirational female entrepreneurs in Hong Kong…

Women’s Resilience: As tough as natural diamond- Ruth Chao

Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu total circle ruth chao RCS
Ruth Chao, Founder of RCS, wears De Beers Jewellers’ Ellesmere Treasure High Jewellery Collection

“I’m fascinated by depth, creativity, love”

The turning points that created the life I have Today:

  • When I quixotically applied to the art department of British Vogue 13 years
    ago that kickstarted my creative career.
  • When I co-founded my first company with Antonia Li at the age of 25 that
    began my entrepreneurial path.
  • When I founded my second company at the age of 30 to keep building the
    creative dream.
  • Each turning point in my life stemmed from moments of courage.

3 practical ways I improved my confidence:

  • Choose to believe in the positive.
  • Trust in the process.
  • Let myself to just simply be.

Top 3 things I do to motivate myself

  • Appreciate the past.
  • Daydream about the future.
  • Enjoy the present.

 

Also read: Women’s Resilience: As tough as natural diamonds

 

Read more from other inspirational female entrepreneurs in Hong Kong…

Women’s Resilience: As tough as natural diamond- Victoria Tang-Owen

Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu total circle victoria tang owen
Victoria Tang-Owen, Founder of Thirty30 Creative & Victoria Tang Studio, wears De Beers Jewellers’ Enchanted Lotus High Jewellery Collection

“I adapt very easily. I can be comfortable in any sort
of situation you put me into”

Two important men in my life…

  • I was working for my father and was always overshadowed by him, and not allowed to cry in front of him. He said: “Excuses are just excuses. Fix it. Face it.” I had to constantly prove my creative output to him. All of  these make me stronger Today.
  • My husband is left-brained, strategic and business-minded — a great planner. We complement each other so well in each single aspect, which is beautiful.

Starting a business is tough, how I did it..

  • Have a genuine passion for what you do, not falling into habits of working simply to work.
  • Commit to it 100%. If you don’t believe in it, no one does. Stand on your own feet.
  • Find the right partner and people for you to work and surround yourself.
  • “You are what you give, not what you are given” is what I was told in my early adult life.

 

Also read: Women’s Resilience: As tough as natural diamonds

 

Read more from other inspirational female entrepreneurs in Hong Kong…

Women’s Resilience: as tough as natural diamond- Alison Chan El Azar

Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu total circle alison chan el azar
Hong Kong Influencer Alison Chan El Azar wears Portraits of Nature by De Beers High Jewellery Collection

“I’m adventurous, determined, and spontaneous”

Alison didn’t always know what she wanted in life, but she knows that she can do something big, something important. She is always working to be a better version of herself – just like a natural diamond – when it’s polished and incorporated into a piece of jewellery, it will transform into a truly one-of-a-kind piece.

My Struggles:

  • I was feeling dark and lost in my teenage years, as my parents got divorced…
  • Thinking how to transition to the next chapter in my life and conquer the fears.
  • Give up other aspects of my life for being a full-time mom and my kids.
  • Who am I outside of mom, outside of my kids?

How I conquer my hard times:

  • It’s okay to feel lost and have doubt in certain stages of your life.
  • Waking up every day feeling motivated is just unrealistic. Do not pretend everything is alright.
  • You don’t need to be perfect or a billionaire.
  • It’s all about accepting where you’re at. 
  • Exercise and be grateful.

What I’m looking for now:

  • I believe I can do something.
  • I look for something on the side besides being a mom.
  • I want to live a happy and simple life with purpose.

 

Also read: Women’s Resilience: As tough as natural diamonds

 

Read more from other inspirational female entrepreneurs in Hong Kong…

Wild Appeal: Enticing animal-themed jewellery

Humans have long had an affinity with the animal kingdom. The elements of nature and the symbolic motifs of our world’s magnificent beasts and critters have long been adopted in glyphs, folklore and art throughout the ages.

The world of haute joaillerie is also no stranger to mother nature’s wild side. Fostering bold, whimsical and one-of-a-kind designs to wear and behold, these decorative feral figures are worn as more than just an embellishment to charm onlookers – they are adornments that symbolise one’s spirit and personality.

Among the myriad of animal-inspired jewellery that has slinked out of the jungle, craftsmanship remains at the centre of these intricate jewellery designs. Take for example Cartier’s iconic Panthère Collection and Chopard’s dynamic Red Carpet Collection, creations that combine nature and fine art.

In this photo:

  1. Panthere de cartier ring
  2. Fred Ombre Feline bracelet
  3. Harry Winston Black Necked Crane brooch
  4. Buccellati Animalier Eagle brooch
  5. Buccellati Animalier Rabbit brooch
  6. Boucheron Fuzzy The Leopard Cat ring
  7. Chaumet Les Ciels de Chaumet brooch
  8. Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Ibex brooch
  9. Chopard Red Carpet Collection ring

(Text: Roberliza Eugenio)

Nautical Charm: High jewellery pieces inspired by the ocean

For centuries, the allure of the deep sea has served as inspiration for many artistic creations – be it the undulating waves of the high seas or the marine life that inhabit the diverse watery depths. Its captivating beauty and awe-inspiring seascapes transport the senses to a world beyond the familiar. Yet its expanse remains an intriguing mystery. It is the vastness and lure of the ocean that allows the artistic mind to roam free – inspiring maisons of haute joaillerie to re-imagine life under the sea and create ocean-inspired motifs that pay homage to the charm of the nautical world.

From Chopard’s red carpet ring to Van Cleef & Arpel’s Seven Seas collection to Gübelin’s Grace of the Sea Anemone cocktail ring, these fine works of jewellery for the fingers, wrist and décolletage are masterfully crafted and set with the rarest and most dazzling of semi-precious gemstones and diamonds to reflect the essence of maritime beauty.

  1. Fawaz Gruosi High Jewellery Collection
  2. Fabio Salini Necklace
  3. Gubelin Grace of the Sea Anemone Cocktail Ring
  4. Chopard Red Carpet Collection
  5. Van Cleef & Arpels Seven Seas Caspiansea Clip Mysterieuses
  6. Van Cleef & Arpels Seven Seas Caspiansea Clip Trois Tortues
  7. Tasaki Eveil Ear Cuff
  8. Annoushka Hidden Reef Cuff
  9. Pomalleto Sabbia Ring
  10. Aurelie Bidermann Necklace
  11. Chanel Bo Precious Float Earrings
  12. Cindy Chao Art Jewel Collection Coral Earrings

Chopard celebrates the 2022 Cannes Film Festival with a new Palme d’Or

Swiss fine jeweller Chopard honours 75 years of the Cannes International Film Festival and 25 years of partnership with the prestigious institution with a new design of the Palme d’or, the highest award at the closing ceremony that celebrates the best film screened at the festival.

 

Chopard celebrates the 2022 75th Cannes Film Festival with a new redesigned Palme d'Or
(In this photo: The redesigned Palme d’Or by Chopard’s co-founder and artistic director Caroline Scheufele)

In honour of the coveted annual event, as well as the Maison’s quarter-century-long partnership with the festival, co-founder and artistic director of Chopard Caroline Scheufele revisited the Palme d’Or this year and gave the esteemed prize award a new look in celebration of the double jubilee.

Chopard celebrates the 2022 75th Cannes Film Festival with a new redesigned Palme d'Or ruben ostland best film
(In this photo: Swedish director Ruben Östlund wins the Palme d’Or for Best Film at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival)

Coined as a radiant symbol of unconditional love that binds the festival with cinema, as well as the Maison’s long-standing partnership with the event, the redesign of the iconic palm branch motif features two delicately crafted strands of gold leaves set with 75 and 25 diamonds to mark both the festival’s and the Maison’s long-standing presence in the world of cinema. Both the 18-carat yellow gold and diamonds were ethically sourced from certified suppliers and are mounted on a gorgeous rose quartz base, instead of its traditional rock crystal cushion.

Chopard celebrates the 2022 75th Cannes Film Festival with a new redesigned Palme d'Or (2)
(In this photo: 25 and 75 diamonds set on two gold leaves of the Palme in tribute of the 75th Cannes Film Festival and 25 years of partnership with the institution)

The stunning laurel has been an iconic prize that honours filmmakers from around the world. This year, the accolade, presented by Mexican director Alfonso Cuarón and Cannes president Vincent Lindon, had been given to Swedish director Ruben Östlund of satirical film Triangle of Sadness for Best Film.

Chopard celebrates the 2022 75th Cannes Film Festival with a new redesigned Palme d'Or song kang-ho rueben ostland Zahra Amir Ebrahimi
(In this photo: Song Kang-Ho, Ruben Ostlund, Viencent Lindon and Zahra Amir Ebrahimi)

That evening, the stage was also shared with Korean actor Song Kang-Ho who won Best Actor for Broker, while the award for Best Actress went to Iranian actress Zahra Amir Ebrahimi for her performance in Holy Spider, and the award for Best Director was received by Korean director Park Chan-Wook for his film Decision to Leave.

The memorable event marks Cannes’ 75th edition of its international film festival, and drew to a close on 28 May with a successful celebration of arts, cinema and craftsmanship.

Neck’s Best Thing: Stunning décolleté dazzlers for this season’s soirées

There’s no stronger way to make a statement than to adorn your neck with a stunning, sparkling necklace. Whether it’s a thick choker-style design like Bulgari’s Mediterranean Queen necklace, open-worked creations like Van Cleef & Arpels’ Trésor Astral number or dangling dazzlers like Chanel’s Allure Céleste necklace, there are attention-grabbing bejewelled bijouterie for every special occasion.

To ensure your statement necklace does all the talking, opting for the right neckline is key. Strapless, off-the-shoulder or v-neck gowns or tops are a must when it comes to showing off your chosen accessory to perfection. Avoid clashing with strong patterns or detailing. Rather, monochromatic ensembles can pair perfectly with a strong necklace, provided that it is form-fitting and one colour throughout. However you choose to match your stunning piece of jewellery, with these gorgeous creations, all eyes are sure to be on you.

In the photos:

  1. Van Cleef & Arpels Trésor Astral
  2. Graff New Dawn
  3. Buccellati Étoilée
  4. Bulgari Mediterranean Queen
  5. Harry Winston Blue Python
  6. Chanel Allure Céleste
  7. Gübelin Dancing Dunes 

(Text: Tenzing Thondup)

 

Also Read: The sensual dual-appeal of transformable jewellery