High-end 'four gentlemen' jewelry debuts in New York

Wang Yang, founder of Hera Moment jewelry

When Wang Yang, the founder of Hera Moment jewelry, lived in Botswana with her family, she found it was easy enough to buy beautiful cheongsam Chinese dresses but impossible to find fine jewelry with Chinese design elements.

Wang developed a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture while living abroad, which coincided with many Chinese customers with more disposable income who are seeking design influenced by Chinese elements and culture for a new identity and individual expression.

"Especially when I went to meetings and conferences in Botswana, I loved to wear things representing my country and culture," said Wang.

A year after she came back to China in 2010, she started her own company, Hera Moment, aiming to offer high-end handmade jewelry with distinctly Chinese design elements.

Wang said her company was one of only a few focusing on customized high-end jewelry designed with Chinese elements in the market when she started her business.

Her pieces are made in China with materials from all over the world.

"There is so much depth and volume to Chinese elements," said Wang. "For example, we use the plum blossom, orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum, which are said to be the four gentlemen in Chinese culture, representing the virtues of, respectively: faithfulness, elegance, steadfastness and courage."

Wang brought her jewelry to the US for the first time for this year's New York Fashion Week. "It's just a trial for us, but I'm surprised to see both overseas Chinese and local American people showing great interest in our pieces," Wang said.

Last year, Wang showed her jewelry at London Fashion Week, where her pieces were greatly welcomed by overseas buyers. "That's why I made up my mind to come to New York this year."

"These elements are very natural, like the bamboo and the flowers, and it's also very modern," said Tony Pesce, a private collector who has been collecting fine jewelry in New York for decades. "Chinese style is becoming more increasingly in demand, especially in diverse cities like New York.

"And the workmanship is just stunning," he continued. "The style, the creation, the creativity and the natural elements really bring out the jewelry pieces as well as the gemstones."

"Compared to international brands with a long history in the West, our brand is still like a child," said Wang. "But I hope exchanges like this will promote Chinese design and let the world get to know our creativity and style."

A model presents a necklace from Hera Moment's bamboo series on Saturday in New York. PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY

ruinanzhang@chinadailyusa.com