Meet Hong Kong sisters Fiona and Sarah Zhuang, who turned an established jewellery business into something haute
The sisters were inspired by their mother – who owned jewellery shops in Hong Kong for more than two decades – and created bespoke pieces and stunning collections
The Zhuang sisters, Sarah and Fiona, co-founded jewellery brand Sarah Zhuang Jewellery. As the second generation in a jewellery family in Hong Kong, the sisters took inspiration from their mother who owned jewellery shops in Hong Kong for more than two decades. While Fiona Zhuang, a mother of three, handles the business side of things, Sara Zhuang is the creative director and designer of their brand.
Here are a few things you should know about them:
A family business
Fiona Zhuang was the first to join her mother’s jewellery business, Takfook Jewellery. Sarah later joined as a designer at Fiona’s insistence – even before she had any formal jewellery design training. They eventually took over the business after their mother retired. At one point, they discovered Sarah’s simple designs appealed to a younger audience than those attracted to Takfook. But it wasn’t until Sarah went to Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in Hong Kong that her commitment and creativity in jewellery design flourished, igniting her passion and setting her onto a course for a lifelong career. Soon, Sarah Zhuang Jewellery slowly emerged. In addition to co-founding the business with Sarah, Fiona continues on as Takfook’s executive director.
Design prowess
Although Sarah Zhuang took jewellery design courses in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Florence, she initially studied journalism at university and hoped to get into news broadcasting. She switched tracks, attended GIA and obtained a professional diploma from Hong Kong Design Institute. She also enrolled in the Accademia Riaci in Florence for jewellery design afterwards.
It would take Sarah two years to design her collection, drawing inspiration from the modern woman by incorporating versatility, functionality and contemporary chic into her pieces. Her brand is also the first to partner with Hong Kong’s first tourbillon brand, Memorigin Watch Company Limited, to create the Butterfly Rose Tourbillon Watch.