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Karen Ting

A guide to watches and jewellery

Tired of jewellery that comes from an instantly recognisable brand? Then check out these six  local  designers who are fast becoming names to watch for on the international jewellery scene.

Sandra d'Auriol

Born in India and  raised in Singapore, Sandra d'Auriol worked for British luxury goods brand Asprey before moving back to Asia, and has been living in  Hong Kong for over 25 years.  She launched her  own brand in 1996 and says that her  style is influenced by a love  of Asia.

'I like to mix different elements like wood, coral and jade in my designs, but I guess jade is the hallmark of my work,' says d'Auriol. 'I try to make it wearable and contemporary at the same time.'

Youmna

Born in Lebanon and raised  in France, Youmna Hostelet graduated from the Gemological Institute of America. She turned down an offer to work for Chaumet in her early 20s, before starting  her own brand in 1986   and  moving to Hong Kong in 1991.

She draws inspirations from fashion, architecture and everyday objects.  Her Pedro collection, for example, comprises  necklaces and bracelets made of gold pins, and  her Deauville collection is inspired by lifesavers on boats  along the Normandy coast.

Unicorn Jewelry Design

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Jessica Fong started her career in jewellery when she was 18, and has been designing jewellery for over two decades. She honed her skills at Chaumet before setting  up Unicorn in 1992.

Inspired by the mythical creature,  she uses white and coloured diamonds and coloured stones to  create romantic, feminine and elaborate effects.  Besides fancy coloured diamonds  in yellow and brown, Fong  favours specially cut stones  such as rose-cut diamonds.

Brigetta

Bridget King launched her first collection of handmade jewellery  using precious stones, crystals, brushed gold and silver in 2003. Born in Taiwan and raised in the US, King started  selling her jewellery when she was  19. Today, her fans include  celebrities such as Nicole Kidman.  A highlight of  her latest collection   are earrings  that can be worn in seven different ways.

'We wear so many  hats - a wife, a mum, a businesswoman, a friend -  our jewellery needs to be not only beautiful  but also versatile,'  King says.

Calamansi Bijoux

Founded two years ago by sisters Caroline Caer and Agnes Caer-Piras, Calamansi Bijoux jewellery  features silver, freshwater pearls and coloured stones.

'We like to use freshwater pears of  all shapes and colours such as baroque  and keshi pearls,'  says  Caer-Piras.

They describe their pieces as contemporary and personal. 'We don't follow fashion trends, but we want our pieces to be noticed when people are wearing  them,' says  Caer-Piras.

Pristine

Banker-turned-jewellery designer Ivy Ngan grew up in Hong Kong and Nigeria before studying in the US.  Even though she launched Pristine just a year ago, her  earrings are already selling in Australia, Singapore and Europe.

Ngan draws inspiration from Asian elements such as longevity knots and Chinese fans. Her  earrings feature delicate  14k  gold and 18k vermeil gold wires with semi-precious stones.  In  her upcoming collection, Ngan explores the concept of  yin and  yang and says that she  wants  to  make use of other cultural references as well.

Shopping list

Sandra d'Auriol

There's a private sale   next  month at 10  Chancery Lane Gallery in Central. Inquiries: sandra@dauriol.com

Youmna

Available at Harvey Nichols,  the Landmark, Central; tel:  2695 3388, or e-mail  youmna@youmna.com.hk

Unicorn Jewelry Design

3/F, Hang Shun Commercial Building, 12 Cameron Road,  Tsim Sha Tsui; tel: 2312 0088.

Brigetta

Available at Lane Crawford,  IFC Mall, Central, and Pacific Place, tel: 2118 2888, or e-mail   bridget@brigettajewelry.com

Calamansi Bijoux

Available at Harvey Nichols, the Landmark, Central; tel: 2695 3388

Pristine

Suite 401, Yuen Yick Building,  27-29 Wellington Street, Central; tel: 2523 2396



Local heroes