设计 JNA September/October 2022 | 37 Fun and versatile, the Festival pieces evoke the frivolity of festivals reimagined through a miniscule Ferris wheel or an intricately crafted golden carriage. 'Blossom' between-the-finger ring with a 1.13-carat Colombian emerald and diamonds and ‘Prosperity’ ring with a 4.51-carat pink sapphire and diamonds 'Blossom' 1.13克拉哥伦比亚祖母绿指间戒 及镶嵌4.51克拉粉红刚玉及多颗钻石的'Prosperity'戒指 Social media influencer Elsa Zhao was constantly on the lookout for jewellery pieces that strike a balance between sophistication and versatility. Unable to find something that satisfies her needs, she did what any enterprising individual with a creative mind would: Make her own jewellery. To prepare herself for such an endeavour, Zhao embarked on an extensive journey, researching about jewellery and visiting factories in the jewellerymanufacturing capitals of Thailand, China and Japan to learn jewellery-making skills from experienced craftsmen. She then took up design courses at the Gemological Institute of America. In 2014, the influencer – who had amassed 200,000 followers on her personal social media account as of press time – founded RichandRare in Hong Kong where she serves as chief designer. The brand has since soared in popularity for its expansive selection of nature-inspired jewellery pieces. Catering to a wide range of buyers with diversified needs, the pieces are divided into two collections – Rich and Rare. Golden varieties The RichandRare brand offers a unique value proposition for jewellery lovers and connoisseurs. Its two major collections of 18-karat white and yellow gold jewellery are characterised by distinctive artistic elements: Rich, which includes daily-wear pieces in whimsical and innovative designs; and Rare, which features fine jewellery adorned with exceptional gemstones. Extraordinary craftsmanship is also at the heart of Rare. Some pieces are movable, rendering a sense of whimsy and fluidity into the jewellery. One of its signature collections – Puzzle – features puzzle-inspired rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets with movable, handmade components. Like an actual puzzle, the pieces can be merged and stacked. “What our brand provides are everyday pieces that look opulent. On the other end of the spectrum, we also offer collector pieces that come in contemporary styles,” explained Zhao. The fashion-forward designer said she usually comes up with ideas for daily-wear pieces when planning her outfits – a testament to the trendy and modern allure of RichandRare jewellery. Festival, a selection of jewellery pieces under the Rich Collection, for instance, features playful trinkets in 18-karat gold that can be worn together or separately as bracelet charms or brooches. Fun and versatile, the pieces bring to mind the frivolity of festivals reimagined through a miniscule Ferris wheel or an intricately crafted golden carriage. The Festival series is aimed at a younger generation of buyers partial to jewellery that they can effortlessly pair with casual clothes, revealed Zhao. Gemstones are also a source of inspiration. “The first step in my creative process is having an affinity for the stone. Clarity and lustre matter a lot while the colour needs to be engaging. It does not necessarily have to be Pigeon’s Blood red or Muzo green – but it needs to shine, to communicate,” she noted. The outcome is an innovative, multipurpose jewellery piece that is equally alluring when worn with a formal attire or a t-shirt and jeans. These pieces can also be mixed and matched and worn differently every time to showcase the wearer’s individuality and fashion sense. The Rare Collection meanwhile features outstanding gemstones including emeralds, sapphires and rubies alongside premium-quality Paraiba tourmalines and aquamarines, among other gems. The Collector series, part of the Rare Collection, includes diamond-studded jewellery pieces with stunning centre gems such as a 2.05-carat Colombian emerald from the famed Muzo mine.
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