Wendy Yue launched her eponymous business in 2008 after 20 years of designing fine jewelry for other firms, including Parisian jeweler Lydia Courteille and Asian brand Tse Sui Luen. She finds that her background in language and culture, acquired by studying in Vienna (Yue has no formal jewelry training) helps rather than hinders her ability to make exotic styles that serve as miniature sculptures—most of which are limited editions. Yue works with a variety of types and qualities of stones, including opal, jade, and coral, designing all herself and overseeing production “from beginning to end in my own Atelier dubbed Diamond Tree in Hong Kong,” she tells JCK in an email interview. “I try to design pieces that bring out their best quality.”

Yue is represented by Fragments in New York City.

Jewelry designer Wendy Yue

JCK: In a sentence or two, describe your signature style, giving examples of notable motifs or symbolism evident in your work.

Wendy Yue: I draw inspiration from wildlife and my travels around the globe. My designs give rise to a look that is exotic, bold, and innovative—so distinctive that each one is much more than just an accessory, but a miniature sculpture work of art all by itself.

 

JCK: How did you get into jewelry design?

WY: After working in a Hong Kong jewelry firm for a few years, I decided to start my own firm to create designs that are unique. I find that without formal training in jewelry design gives me the freedom to create pieces that are not bound by traditional jewelry making.

 

JCK: Is your jewelry cast or fabricated?

WY: The jewelry is handmade and in limited edition.

 

JCK: Where is the jewelry made?

WY: Hong Kong

 

JCK: What metals do you work in?

WY: 18k gold

 

JCK: How many U.S. accounts do you currently have?

WY: Ten including Stanley Korshak in Dallas and Bergdorf Goodman in New York City

 

JCK: How many international accounts do you have?

WY: Over a dozen, including Harrods and Harvey Nichols in London.

 

JCK: What jewelry shows do you exhibit in?

WY: Baselworld, Couture, JCK Las Vegas, Winter and Summer editions of the Jewelers of America shows, JA Special Delivery Show New York, all three editions of VicenzaOro (First in January, Charm in May, and Choice in September), the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show in February, the Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair in June, and the Hong Kong Jewellery & Watch Fair in September.

 

JCK: What jewelry design awards have you received or been nominated for during your career?

WY: First runner-up in the Jewelry Design International Competition 2006, organized by the Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturers’ Association.

 

JCK: What is your starting retail price?

WY: $5,000

 

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