Who started it? Hong-Kong based Tayma Fine Jewellery was started by Tayma Page Allies in the early 1980s. Allies, who was born in Malta to British parents, grew up in Trinidad and Nigeria and says it was the rich and vivid cultures of her childhood that ignited her love of colour and bold design. Allies came to Hong Kong on a business trip and, noticing a lack of diversity in the high-end jewellery market - 'It was just pearls, jade and diamonds' - promptly set up the city's first boutique jewellery shop.
'I introduced aquamarine cocktail rings 20 years ago when it was impossible to find them in Hong Kong. Then hot pink rubellites, watermelon and bi-colour tourmalines and neon paraiba tourmaline that no one had ever heard of.'
Why we love it: bold and unusual, Tayma pieces feature clean and elegant designs centred on rare and colourful gemstones, each of which has been handpicked by Allies, who travels the world to source unique cuts and colours. Each piece is unique and handmade by local craftsmen. Allies also offers a custom service; she works with clients to create bespoke pieces that suit their colouring and style.
'My speciality is designing contemporary classic pieces that highlight the colour of the gemstones and suit the working woman without being fussy or overdone,' she says.
What we'd pick: we love the vibrant colours and large modern cut of the stones in the aquamarine and diamond cocktail ring (below left; HK$650,000), the dark pink rubellite and diamond cocktail ring (below centre; HK$245,000) and the peridot and diamond cocktail ring (below right; HK$245,000). For something more subtle, there's the mandarin garnet and deep-pink rubellite earrings and rings set in gold (above left; HK$39,900 to HK$85,900). The hot pink rubellite, paraiba and diamond earrings (above right; HK$198,900) are another favourite.
Where you can buy it? Tayma Fine Jewellery is in Prince's Building, Central, tel: 2525 5280.