Why Asian jewellery designers are earning international esteem

Asia has no shortage of design talent, and pieces by acclaimed jewellery designers from the region have proven to be record breakers at auction.

The recent “Iconic Hong Kong Jewellery Designers” auction by Christie’s showcased a number of pieces by Asian designers Adrian Cheng, Cindy Chao, Edmond Chin and Michelle Ong.

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Each of these designers has a distinctive and recognisable style. Cheng’s multigem suite of jewellery with green tourmalines, rubies and sapphires reflects his appreciation of modern art.

Chao’s collection of a coloured diamond and diamond brooch; a diamond, ruby and coloured diamond ring; and a pair of 29.49ct and 26.81ct Colombian emerald ear pendants – “Snow Peas” – illustrates her penchant for flora and fauna. Chao is the first Asian jeweller to have had a piece – the Black Label Masterpiece Butterfly brooch – inducted into the Smithsonian Natural History Museum’s permanent collection.

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Ong’s multigem necklace, and coloured diamond and diamond brooch, both for Carnet, reflects her soft, silky and ethereal designs and East-meets-West personality.

Also no stranger to Christie’s auctions is Edmond Chin, whose Colombian emerald and diamond “Palmette” necklace, designed for Boghossian, shows his ability to source the finest and rarest coloured gems and diamonds, and to use technologically innovative mounting techniques.