Janet Hiu Yan Chow

Specialized in Design.

Janet Hiu Yan Chow

About Janet Hiu Yan Chow

Janet Chow, whose family runs jewelry-manufacturing business, created VEA Fine Jewelry in 2017. Driven by passion for design Janet quitted her 9 to 5 bank job and took jewelry design and GIA gemology courses. The brand blends the timeless with the contemporary and is unique for its versatile designs. Design for modern women, pieces could be worn in multiple ways from day to night. Janet focus on quality and craftsmanship, ethical and socially responsible diamonds are used and each piece are designed and handcrafted to last.

  • Winner of the A' Design Award.
  • Specialized in Design.
  • Original Design.
  • Creative, Diligent and Innovative.
  • All Designs

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Interview with Janet Hiu Yan Chow

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
My family runs a jewelry manufacturing business. Since teenage, I would help in jewelry trade shows. But this did not raise my interest in the industry. I even said I would never join them. I graduated from business school and eventually landed in a 9 to 5 bank job. I would wear their dainty sample pieces to work. It was then I realised my taste is recognise by others. Friends, colleagues, customers all like my pieces very much and wanted to know where to get them. I have always like drawing and designing but not until then I started thinking I could maybe make a profession out of this interest. I took gemology course from GIA and jewellery production and design courses. I had the time of my life. In 2017 I started Vea Fine Jewelry, aiming to create simple, versatile and practical pieces for everyday wear with natural conflict free, responsible diamonds and precious stones.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
Vea Fine Jewelry blends the timeless with the contemporary and is unique for its versatile designs. We design for modern women; pieces could be worn in multiple ways from day to night. We focus on quality and craftsmanship. We work with suppliers that supply ethical and socially responsible diamonds. Manufacturing process is monitor so that each piece are designed and handcrafted to last.
What is "design" for you?
Design is telling a story. It is an expression and communication of an idea. So the wearer could associate and remember that idea every time she sees the piece.
What kinds of works do you like designing most?
Works that tell stories and has meaning. So the pieces will not only aesthetically decorates but also have emotional connection with the wearer.
What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?
One of my favourite designs is the Turret ring from my Architectural Pearls collection. Inspired by architectures, Akoya pearls are arranged in geometric manner in graduating size. Diamonds sculpt the silhouette and add sparks to the piece. Turrets are small decorative towers on medieval castle. They are not only aesthetically pleasing for the building but are also where one can look farthest and widest. This ring hopes to remind whoever wearing it to always look far, look wide, keep yourself open minded because you will never know what life will surprise you.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
My workstation. Arranging the stationeries in a way that tells and suits my working style.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
Diamonds. It is the most dazzling stones, but it also goes well with all other materials. Diamonds shine no matter it is the main stone or side stone of the piece. Always doing its best.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
All kinds of emotions. Strength and positive energy most of the time. Jewelry are usually for celebrating some happy moment of life.
What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?
It feels like seeing a baby born and cannot wait to put my hands on it, try it on and try out all the possibilities with it.
When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?
Jewelry is art piece on body, so the piece should be comfortable when wearing.
From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?
Creating harmony, improve and embrace life in every possible way.
How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?
I think clients understand themselves and know what they want very well. So it is getting very important to listen to the clients, understand them and help them translate their thoughts and ideas into the piece with our profession.
When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
We participated in the International Jewellery Fair in March in Hong Kong. Met some really nice customers and gave me lots of insight. We will be joining another jewelry fair in Hong Kong in June. We hope will get to meet more customers and others from the industry.
How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
I would say my style is versatile and modern. We design for modern women; pieces could be worn in multiple ways from day to night.
Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
Hong Kong is where East meets West. We had a good mixture of different cultures. This helps a lot in design because we understand there could be endless possibilities with mix and matching.
Can you talk a little about your design process?
It could start from material, a quote or a picture. Then pencil sketch are really helpful in shaping at early stage. I would then 3D draw the piece and work with craftmen for technical 3D pictures and realising the piece.
From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?
Positive is very likely you are doing what you like. Negative is lots of sleepless night.
What skills are most important for a designer?
Skill to let go and let things be or will get frustrated very easily.
Who are some of your clients?
2010 Miss Chinese International Pageant and current Hong Kong TVB actress, Eliza Sam and 1997 Miss Hong Kong Pageant, Virginia Yung.

Extended Interview with Janet Hiu Yan Chow

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?
My family runs a jewelry manufacturing business. Since teenage, I would help in jewelry trade shows. But this did not raise my interest in the industry. I even said I would never join them. I graduated from business school and eventually landed in a 9 to 5 bank job. in jewelry trade shows. I graduated from business school and eventually landed in a 9 to 5 bank job. But I have always like drawing and designing, so I took jewellery production and design courses during my spare time and gemology course from GIA. In 2017 I started Vea Fine Jewelry, aiming to create simple, versatile and practical pieces for everyday wear with natural conflict free, responsible diamonds and precious stones.
How did you become a designer?
I would wear their dainty sample pieces when I work in bank. Friends, colleagues, customers kept asking me where to get them. It was then I realised my taste is recognise by others. I then started thinking I could maybe make a profession out of it.
Which emotions do you feel when designing?
Custom pieces are most fun because you get to hear stories and the whole design process could be very interactive with the client.
What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?
One that public accepts, understands and could associate. For jewelry it is important that the piece is comfortable enough to be worn. Because jewelry is art pieces on body.
You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?
Because good designs create harmony, improve life and help others to embrace life in every possible way.
What is your day to day look like?
I would like to design for anyone with character. I would like to create signature pieces that they would wear everyday as an icon.
What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?
Design is to create harmony, improve life and help others to embrace life in every possible way. To me design is to understand the wearer and help them translate their thoughts and ideas into the piece with my profession. Helping the wearer to express herself.
What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?
Family and friends for sure. They support and believe in me from the beginning.

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