Who started it? Jean Dinh Van comes from a mixed, Vietnamese-French background. He studied design at the School of Decorative Arts in Paris and started his jewellery career at Cartier, learning traditional craftsmanship. After 10 years at Cartier, he wanted to break away from the old-school conventions, so in 1965 he started designing under his own name. He most famously designed a double-pearl square ring that was signed by Pierre Cardin, which can be viewed in Paris' Decorative Arts Museum. In 1976, he opened his first shop, on Rue de la Paix. He is considered one of France's most cutting-edge jewellers.
Why we love it: Dinh Van's designs have an unpretentious nature about them; he fuses simple materials such as black cord with 24K hammered gold. His free-spirit ethic is evident in clean designs that can be worn by men and women. His new collection features interlocking heart bracelets, necklaces and rings that come with a chain or cord.
What we'd pick: the double-heart black cord bracelet (above; HK$4,400) and the Menotte ring (right; HK$20,700), made from white gold and diamonds.
Where can you find it? Dinh Van jewellery can be found at Lane Crawford, IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2118 3388.