How Does Taiwanese Jewellery Artist Cindy Chao Make Her Stunning Creations Stand Out?

The eponymous founder of Cindy Chao—The Art Jewel has had her extraordinary pieces of work displayed at various institutions and museums all over the world

Asian jewellery artist Cindy Chao has taken quite the unconventional approach to sharing her creative philosophy with the world, having showcased her creations at famed institutions such as the Smithsonian and storied auction houses, on the glamorous red carpets of the Academy Awards and Cannes Film Festival, as well as at the world’s most prestigious art fairs such as Tefaf Maastricht and Masterpiece London.

As the granddaughter of an architect and daughter of a sculptor, the Chao family’s creative legacy has shaped her aesthetics, resulting in wearable pieces of bejewelled art under her eponymous brand, Cindy Chao—The Art Jewel, which she founded in 2004. Take for example her 2016 Black Label Masterpiece IX Winter Leaves necklace, which won the 2019 Masterpiece London Highlight Award for the most outstanding jewellery piece of the fair.

Above 2016 Black Label Masterpiece IX Winter Leaves necklace

Masterpiece London chairman Philip Hewat-Jaboor said: “Cindy Chao’s jewellery has a very different element: the sculptural quality, the emotional investment, the real intellectual curiosity behind the designs, and the extraordinary combination of stones are put together in a way that no one has ever seen before. It is exceptionally exciting for us.”

Those fortunate enough to view Chao’s pieces in person will be mesmerised by their organic, sculptural and architectural characteristics. To her, beyond the value of these stones is an added element of the human genius—artistry and craftsmanship.

Above 2019 Black Label Masterpiece VI Scultura di Giglio bangle

“I enjoy exploring craftsmanship to the extreme, again and again, with my European craftsmen. For many of them, who have been in the industry for over 15 years, I am revolutionising how jewellery can be crafted and appreciated for our era,” she said. “As an artist of the 21st century, I am curious how the future generation will perceive my creations.”

Chao’s high jewellery creations marry contemporary Asian aesthetics with traditional Western craftsmanship, which allow her works to stand out from the competition. In fact, her Royal Butterfly brooch was inducted into the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History’s permanent collection in the US state of Washington in 2010—clear evidence that her works resonate with people the world over. The piece is currently still on display in the museum.

Above 2019 Black Label Masterpiece VIII Ribbon brooch

On her plans to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Cindy Chao—The Art Jewel, Chao confidently said: “There’s a lot to do! My vision is to build my brand into the world’s top art jewel brand that represents the forefront of Asian luxury culture.”

Topics

The Art Jewel Avant-garde Jeweller Cindy Chao Jewel brands Artists Cannes Film Festival

Tatler Asia

How Does Taiwanese Jewellery Artist Cindy Chao Make Her Stunning Creations Stand Out?