Affordable Luxury
Coming from a family of jewellers and being exposed to the business early on, Yukki Hui is forging her own path as a designer and entrepreneur. She established her jewellery brand, Ikku London, in 2020 to provide consumers with a reasonably priced fine jewellery line of contemporary designs – something that she said was lacking in the market.
“I have been around the world, in the US and Italy, among others, going to jewellery exhibitions with my parents and I realised that Asia has a different jewellery culture,” revealed Hui. “Women would wait until they get married to buy diamonds. It should not be like that.”
By comparison, Western buyers are more inclined to “self-gifting” and would purchase diamonds to treat themselves. Another important element that seems to be missing in Asia are affordable fine jewellery collections.
Determined to provide precious metal jewellery that will not break the bank, Hui founded her brand, which offers 18-karat gold jewellery adorned with a combination of diamonds, coloured gemstones and cultured pearls for younger buyers.
One of her signature creations is the Rainbow Collection featuring necklaces, unique chain rings and ear hooks embellished with fancy sapphires, tourmalines, garnets, citrines and amethysts, to name a few. Colourful and whimsical, the pieces are meant to evoke joy and contentment, especially during these trying times. Baroque pearls also figure a lot in Hui’s designs, thanks to their inherent exceptionality.
The designer also takes creative cues from her cultural upbringing, having lived in the UK most of her life. With a strong jewellery background, coupled with a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion from London College of Fashion and a Master's degree in Luxury Management from Birmingham City University, Hui is on a quest to bring about change in today’s jewellery circles.“
I want people to own quality yet affordable jewellery pieces. Our packaging is also 100 per cent recyclable, so there is also a sustainability element to our business,” she noted.
Moving forward, Hui is conceptualising a collection of higher-end, more expensive pieces to diversify her product portfolio. “I am working on bigger jewellery pieces because what I have now are more for daily use. I want something with more complex designs so I can expand my market reach,” shared Hui.
Scent of a Jewellery
Capitalising on consumers’ need to feel good during a pandemic as well as their fundamental desire to express themselves aesthetically, designer Rosemary Chung created a new jewellery line that combines imagination and aromatherapy.
Sold under her newly established brand, Tantra Jewellery, the jewellery pieces are multifunctional, affordable and trendy.
According to Chung, she took inspiration from magnetic button diffusers for face masks that are popular now. She however gave the mini diffusers an artistic twist. “It is a nice idea but I found it a bit boring, especially if it only serves one purpose,” remarked Chung. “I want something more playful, fun and functional. As a designer, I always think of ways to offer something new to the market.”
The Art Deco-inspired diffusers in silver or 18-karat gold-plated silver can be used as a pendant or bracelet. Buyers can also choose pieces accentuated with a wide array of coloured gemstones such as pink opal, garnet, moonstone, yellow quartz and amethyst, to name a few.“
I launched Tantra Jewellery to reach out to more customers. Times are more stressful now and I want to offer products that are relaxing and fun at the same time,” she said. “I combined many elements in my designs because jewellery does not have to be just jewellery; it can be something useful.”
Chung’s fine jewellery brand, Rosemary Chung Haute Joaillerie, meanwhile caters to a different clientele that favours custom-made, higher-quality jewellery. One of her star creations is a colour-change sapphire ring that opens in the shoulder to reveal a hidden ruby ring within the shank.She came up with the design after one of her clients requested for a one-of-a-kind gift for his wife. He promised her a ruby ring but felt that sapphire suited her best. Chung thought of a creative way to make both things happen.“
It looks like a normal ring, but it has a little secret inside – the ruby ring, so he can say he did not break his promise. It is such a romantic surprise,” explained the designer. “I am always inspired by what my customer wants. They tell me their stories and I translate those into jewellery designs.”
