Jewelry design is more than just crafting beautiful pieces—it’s about infusing them with stories, dreams, and personal experiences. Three renowned jewelry designers—Austy Lee, Caroline Chartouni, and Nisan Ong—share their journeys, challenges, and creative breakthroughs that shaped their illustrious careers.
Austy Lee: Pioneering Art Jewelry with a Personal Touch
Austy Lee, founder of Austy Lee Art Jewellery in Hong Kong, brings over two decades of experience to his avant-garde creations. Since launching his brand in 2017, Lee has showcased intricate craftsmanship and bold concepts inspired by religion, culture, and his love for art.
- Lee’s designs are known for their geometric beauty, vibrant colors, and skilled use of enamel and gemstone settings.
- He transforms antique items into modern jewelry, preserving their unique character while adding contemporary flair.
“Before starting my brand, I worked for five different companies,” says Lee. “I wanted to create pieces that reflect my personality and artistic vision.”
Caroline Chartouni: Bridging Fashion and Fine Jewelry
As the creative force behind Caroline C, a luxury New York jewelry brand, Caroline Chartouni draws on her family’s three generations in the fashion industry and her training in interior and fashion design in Paris.
- Chartouni’s expertise shines in her mastery of colored gemstones, blending fashion and jewelry into cohesive works of art.
- She is celebrated as a pioneer in Paraiba tourmaline jewelry design, earning her the title of “Queen of Paraiba.”
“Creativity is in my DNA,” says Chartouni. “My background in fashion is evident in every piece I design. Fashion and jewelry are inseparable.”
Nisan Ong: Nature and Art as Eternal Muses
Founder of Ong Jewelry Design Co Ltd in Thailand, Nisan Ong finds inspiration in art and nature, producing designs that are anything but conventional. A painter, sculptor, and jewelry collector, Ong pushes boundaries with unique patterns and bold color combinations.
- Ong emphasizes that true art jewelry must convey a strong concept, achieve harmony in form and color, and showcase distinctive techniques.
- His creations often feature nature-inspired motifs, skillfully combining materials like gold and titanium.
“Originality is my trademark,” says Ong. “Each piece must resonate with my vision and the artistic standards I strive for.”
Winning Hearts Through Storytelling
For today’s consumers, jewelry’s allure lies in the stories it tells. Chartouni highlights the importance of understanding clients’ needs through meaningful communication: “Listening to customers is key. I start with their vision—whether simple or extravagant—and the story evolves from there.”
Her storytelling approach has earned her numerous accolades, including the Spectrum Awards. Similarly, Ong’s bespoke designs have garnered international acclaim, with pieces auctioned at Tiancheng International and Bonhams.
Meanwhile, Lee credits his success to constant learning and an engaging social media presence. With over 475,000 Instagram followers, his posts narrate the intricate stories behind his creations, connecting him with a new generation of customers.
The Future of Jewelry Design: Innovation Meets Emotion
Despite advancements in technology, Lee, Chartouni, and Ong agree that the emotional and tactile aspects of handcrafted jewelry remain unmatched. By blending cutting-edge techniques with compelling narratives and contemporary design, these designers are charting a path for the jewelry industry’s enduring growth.