Jade Renaissance: How Austy Lee Reinvents Jade Jewellery

Amid the gleam and glamour of high-end jewellery, designer Austy Lee emerges as a consummate alchemist. His jade jewellery creations represent a sublime interplay between ancient Eastern traditions and contemporary designs, all while fostering a newfound appreciation for jade, an often-misunderstood gem.

As a Hong Kong-based artist, Lee draws inspiration from the labyrinthine streets of his vibrant city and weaves narratives of both cultural lineage and innovation into his art jewels. His foray into jewelled art began in his youth when his mother gave him a jade talisman as a gift.

This emblem of protection, steeped in centuries of tradition, thus became the catalyst for his creative journey. “Raised by a traditional Chinese family, I’m constantly inspired by my heritage and have always been drawn to integrating jade into my designs,” Lee says.

That first jade talisman kindled a lifelong fascination with the gemstone. Determined to challenge the notion that jade was antiquated and monotonous, Lee set out to rejuvenate its image.

“As a Hong Kong jewellery designer, I try to incorporate jade with different elements and colour forms to contemporize it and demonstrate how the gemstone can be fashionable and appreciated by a broader audience,” he says.

Lee’s path to becoming a jade jewellery designer was a journey of varied pursuits. Initially embarking on a career as a graphic designer and illustrator in 2003, he eventually earned a diploma in product design. This phase was pivotal in developing his unique perspective. He also credits much of his foundational skills in jade jewellery design to the teachings of his uncle, a skilled artisan who educated him in the intricacies of bone teeth and jade carvings, as well as of artifact and antique restorations.