Interview with Dun Ada Zhang

My growth path as a designer has been deeply influenced by my upbringing in Singapore and my Chinese roots. This blend of Eastern and Western perspectives has profoundly shaped my artistic vision, allowing me to draw inspiration from both cultures and my surroundings. As a result, I create unique and meaningful designs that reflect my diverse background.

I’ve always been drawn to design, particularly jewelry design, as it allows for the expression of creativity and personal stories through wearable art.

Looking ahead, my plans involve continuing to craft bespoke jewelry pieces that tell distinctive stories, each resonating with personal significance. I aspire to showcase my designs to a broader audience, enabling more people to appreciate and recognize my brand.

Ultimately, I aim to establish myself as a renowned jewelry designer, celebrated for my attention to detail and my ability to craft meaningful, one-of-a-kind pieces. My dream design project would be to create timeless jewelry that can be cherished and passed down through generations, becoming a lasting symbol of love and connection.

I don't consider myself a legend, but I would encourage young designers to stay curious, keep learning, and develop their own voice. Don't be afraid to make mistakes—they are part of becoming a better designer.

A good designer creates something beautiful; a great designer creates something that makes people feel or think. For me, empathy, originality, and purpose are what make a designer great.

Good design should balance beauty, purpose, craftsmanship, and originality. For jewellery, I also look for an emotional connection between the piece and the wearer.

Good design adds meaning and value beyond appearance. In jewellery, it can turn precious materials into a symbol of love, memory, achievement, or personal growth.

would create more deeply personal bespoke jewellery. I would design for people who want to preserve an important memory, milestone, relationship, or personal journey and that piece of jewelry will last for generations.

I dream of creating a major fine jewellery collection exploring acceptance, transformation, resilience, and personal growth. I would love to eventually showcase such a collection internationally.

For me, the secret is to find inspiration from a natural, genuine, and original essence. When an idea is authentic and captured sincerely, it becomes something truly precious. I believe originality comes from being honest with what inspires you, rather than trying to create something simply to follow a trend.

I am inspired by many contemporary designers, especially Melanie Georgacopoulos for TASAKI, Feng J, and Iris van Herpen. I admire how they challenge conventional ideas of form and materials while maintaining a strong and recognizable design language. Their work encourages me to think beyond traditional jewellery and explore new ways of expressing ideas.

I particularly admire the work of Melanie Georgacopoulos for TASAKI, Feng J, and Iris van Herpen. I am drawn to designs that capture an original essence and transform it into something unexpected, yet meaningful. Their ability to combine innovation, artistry, and strong concepts is what inspires me most.

My Gold award winning piece-Harmonic Honeycomb Fine Jewellery is one of my most meaningful designs. Inspired by the natural honeycomb, its hexagons represent individual experiences, while their connections symbolize relationships, support, and growth. I love how the design brings together nature’s strength, structural harmony, and emotional meaning.

Keep observing, experimenting, and learning. I developed my own skills through formal education, practice, mistakes, and continuously challenging myself to create better work.

Perhaps I would have pursued business or entrepreneurship because of my business background. But I believe creativity would still have found a place in my life.

Design is a form of communication. For me, it transforms an idea, emotion, or story into something tangible.

Many people have supported my journey through encouragement, education, and guidance. My experiences and the people around me have all contributed to who I am as a designer.

Education gave me the foundation, but life experience, persistence, and continuous practice shaped me as a designer. I believe every project teaches me something new.

One challenge was learning to trust my own creative voice. I also learned that not every idea will work, and accepting mistakes is an important part of the creative process.

Designers should show both the finished work and the thinking behind it. I believe people connect more deeply with jewellery when they understand its story and inspiration.

I am continuing to develop bespoke jewellery and explore designs inspired by personal stories and natural resources. I hope to bring my work to a wider international audience.

My goal is to establish a distinctive identity as a fine jewellery designer known for craftsmanship, attention to detail, originality, and the piece of jewelry will carry for generations.

I believe they expect originality, quality, consistency, and continuous innovation. Recognition motivates me to keep learning rather than simply repeat what has already worked.

Design can encourage self-expression, connection, and understanding. Through my jewellery, I hope to encourage people to embrace their individuality and personal journeys.

I am currently developing the branding and a unique jewellery series for Royada Jewelry. I hope to build a brand recognized for its quality, value, and distinctive designs—pieces that are made to be cherished and passed down through generations.

Celestial Voyage Spinning Ring gave me great satisfaction because of the challenge of creating its spinning mechanism. The most rewarding moment was when I finally figured out how to achieve the spinning effect I envisioned and saw the concept come to life.

I would like to see more appreciation for thoughtful, meaningful, and responsible design rather than focusing only on speed and trends. I believe craftsmanship and human connection will always matter. stay being original.

Technology will open many new possibilities, especially through AI, digital modelling, and advanced manufacturing. However, I believe human emotion and creativity will remain at the heart of great design.

most likely between 1 week to 2 months the most. It depends on the complexity of the piece. I allow time for research, sketches, development, technical refinement, and revisions because I believe good design needs time to mature.

I usually start with an idea, emotion, or story. From there, I explore forms, proportions, materials, and details until the visual design supports the original concept.

Accept, adapt, and grow. These three words reflect both my personal journey and the philosophy behind much of my work.

I think both influence each other. However, I try not to design purely according to trends because I believe a strong personal design language should remain meaningful beyond a particular fashion cycle.

Technology is an important tool that helps me visualize, refine, and develop ideas. But the concept and emotional intention still come from the designer.

I use MatrixGold for jewellery design and 3D modelling, together with Procreate for sketching, developing ideas, and exploring concepts visually. These tools allow me to combine technical precision with creative expression.

Materials influence the character, texture, weight, and feeling of a jewellery piece. Colour and environment also affect how we experience a design, so I consider them part of the storytelling.

I would love people to ask, “What is the story behind it?” That question allows me to share the emotion, inspiration, and intention behind the piece.

become curious about why it works. I want to understand the designer's thinking, choices, and intention rather than simply asking whether it looks beautiful.

I don't have other design partner so far. But I enjoy working with people who are open-minded, curious, and willing to challenge ideas constructively. I believe collaboration can bring perspectives that one designer might not discover alone.

The people and experiences in my life have strongly influenced my work. Growing up in Singapore with Chinese roots exposed me to both Eastern and Western perspectives, which has shaped my artistic vision.

I enjoy reading books on architecture, contemporary fine art, and geography. They broaden my perspective on form, structure, nature, culture, and the world around us, which often becomes a source of inspiration for my jewellery designs.

Formal education gave me the foundation, while years of practice developed my skills. I continue to learn through experimentation, mistakes, observation, and creating new work.

would love to meet someone whose thinking has profoundly influenced design or creativity.

feel very grateful. Winning one Gold and one Silver at the 2025 A' Design Awards was an important milestone, but I see awards as encouragement to continue growing rather than the final destination.

I don't have one favourite colour—I appreciate all colours and the different emotions they can create. My favourite place is home, especially wherever my loved ones are. I enjoy Asian food and love all four seasons because each has its own beauty and feeling. In my free time, I enjoy meeting friends, singing karaoke, or playing the drums. For jewellery, I admire Tiffany & Co. and Cartier for their timeless elegance and craftsmanship.

When I first started designing, I sometimes created very ambitious designs without thinking enough about how they would actually be made. I would only discover the problem when I tried to 3D model and print them! Those moments made me laugh at myself, but they also taught me an important lesson: a beautiful idea still needs to work in reality.

Seeing an idea gradually become a real piece makes my day great. Designing is therapeutic for me, and knowing that my work may bring meaning or happiness to someone gives me motivation.

Not really. I didn't know I would become a jewellery designer, but creativity and self-expression were always important to me. Looking back, the different experiences in my life eventually led me here.

It is impossible to know, but I believe technology will transform almost everything. Yet people will probably still want to love, remember, express themselves, and create objects that represent their emotions.

I hope people remember me for creating jewellery that is creative yet realistic, simple yet bold, and comfortable to wear. I want my designs to have lasting quality and beauty—not only to follow trends, but to remain meaningful and cherished for generations.

I'm the founder of Royada Jewellery, which I established in 2023 after completing my diploma in fine jewelry design. Through collaborations with various jewelry manufacturers across different countries, I've gained invaluable experience. Every piece requires meticulous attention to detail, extensive communication, and often multiple revisions to meet the highest standards of craftsmanship. I'm proud of the hard work and dedication that goes into each creation.

For me, design is about crafting harmony through acceptance and adaptation, ultimately leading to blissfulness. My jewelry embodies the values of resilience, boldness, simplicity, humility, and loyalty. Each piece tells a story of life's challenges and the transformative journey that shapes us. Through design, I aim to capture the beauty of growth, maturity, and broader perspectives.

I'm passionate about designing fine jewelry pieces that tell a story and evoke emotions. I enjoy creating intricate, detailed designs that showcase exceptional craftsmanship. My favorite projects often involve combining traditional techniques with modern aesthetics, resulting in unique and timeless pieces.

I'm particularly drawn to designing jewelry that reflects themes of resilience, harmony, and personal growth, as these resonate deeply with my design philosophy.

My favorite design for Royada Jewellery is the Homonic Honeycomb series, inspired by the honeycomb patterns I discovered in my daughter's National Geographic book. The hexagon shape fascinated me for its strength and symbolism of sweet love. I sketched a single-band ring featuring the honeycomb motif, but soon realized I wanted to capture the diversity of love's forms and shapes.

The series evolved to represent the simplicity and sincerity of love, using clean lines and minimalism. Through creative sketching and digital drawing techniques, I brought the Honeycomb series to life, showcasing love's resilience amidst life's ups and downs.

The first piece I designed for Royada Jewellery that gained significant recognition was the award-winning Hormonic Honeycomb Ring. This design not only showcased my passion for intricate details but also marked a milestone in my design journey. The ring's unique blend of simplicity and symbolism resonated with many, and its award-winning status was a testament to the design's impact.

For most of my jewelry designs, I prefer working with 18K gold due to its luxurious feel and durability. I often pair it with diamonds and various gemstones to add a touch of elegance and sophistication. The combination of 18K gold and precious stones allows me to create timeless, high-quality pieces that exude refinement and style.

I feel most creative when I'm surrounded by people with positive energy and in a quiet, clean environment. Being around like-minded individuals who radiate enthusiasm and optimism helps stimulate my imagination and inspires me to think outside the box. The calm and serene atmosphere also allows me to focus and channel my creativity into designing unique and meaningful pieces.

When designing, I focus on several key aspects: beauty, comfort, simplicity with uniqueness, quality, and affordability. I strive to create pieces that are not only visually stunning but also comfortable to wear. I believe in simplicity with a twist, making each design unique and distinctive. Additionally, I prioritize quality craftsmanship and aim to make my designs accessible to a wide range of people without compromising on excellence.

Designing jewelry is a therapeutic experience for me. It brings a sense of healing, encouragement, motivation, and satisfaction. The creative process allows me to express myself and channel my emotions into crafting meaningful pieces. Seeing my designs come to life and knowing they'll touch someone's life is incredibly fulfilling.

Here's a more conversational version:
For me, a design is successful when it's not just visually stunning, but also meaningful and functional. It's about creating something that resonates with people, tells a story, and leaves a lasting impression. When a design is both beautiful and purposeful, that's when I know it's truly successful. It's all about striking the right balance between aesthetics, quality, and emotional connection.

When judging a design, I consider creativity, originality, and how well it aligns with its intended purpose. I also look at the attention to detail, craftsmanship, and overall aesthetic appeal. Most importantly, I think about the emotional connection it creates and whether it resonates with the wearer or viewer. It's a combination of these factors that helps me determine if a design is truly exceptional.

As a designer, I believe our responsibilities to society and the environment include being honest in our craft, staying humble and open to feedback, and continuously pushing the boundaries of creativity. It's also about being generous and willing to take risks, embracing challenges, and learning from failures. By doing so, we can create designs that not only inspire but also contribute positively to the world around us.

I believe the design field is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements that open up incredible creative possibilities. However, this progress also brings challenges, such as maintaining originality and staying grounded. Additionally, the industry's increasing focus on commercial strategy can sometimes overshadow the artistic and emotional aspects of design. Despite these challenges, I'm excited to see how designers will continue to innovate and push boundaries.

I'm thrilled to share that I currently have an exhibition showcasing my creations at Design Orchard in Singapore, and it will run until next year, 2026. As for future exhibitions, I'm focused on the present showcase for now, and I don't have any upcoming schedules announced yet. I'm excited to connect with visitors at Design Orchard and look forward to future opportunities.

As a designer, I find inspiration everywhere. I observe the world around me, and everything sparks ideas - shapes, textures, and forms. I see potential in everyday objects and imagine how they could be transformed into unique jewelry pieces. My creative process often starts with sketching out these ideas, allowing me to bring my visions to life.

My design style is contemporary and minimalist, with a focus on clean lines and simple outlines. I believe in stripping away unnecessary elements to reveal the essence of the piece. I prefer a straightforward approach, letting the design speak for itself without overshadowing the main point. This style allows me to create timeless and elegant jewelry that exudes sophistication.

Growing up in Singapore and having Chinese roots, I've been fortunate to be influenced by both cultures. My life experiences, shaped by this blend of Eastern and Western perspectives, have profoundly impacted my artistic vision. I draw inspiration from both my heritage and surroundings, allowing me to create unique and meaningful designs that reflect my diverse background.

When working with companies, I take a collaborative approach to understand their specific requirements and goals. By considering every aspect, including cost control, market value, brand image, and design trends, I create jewelry designs that meet their needs and target customer preferences. My aim is to deliver designs that not only reflect the company's brand identity but also drive value and stay on-trend.

I think when companies work with a designer, they should look for someone who really understands their perspective and customer needs. The designer should also have a sharp sense of design trends and be efficient in their work. Plus, being open-minded is super important. A good designer should be able to take feedback and iterate on their designs. And, of course, they need to have a solid grasp of workmanship and technical skills, so the designs are realistic and feasible to produce. After all, we're creating real wearable pieces, not just conceptual art – it's gotta be functional and well-made!

My design process typically starts with sketching out my ideas and conceptualizing the story behind each piece. Next, I create technical drawings with estimated measurements to refine the design. I then use Matrix to create 3D CAD models, which allows me to visualize and fine-tune the design. After that, I print out wax samples to test the design's feasibility. Finally, I work with skilled craftsmen to bring the design to life and create the final piece.

For a designer, one of the most important skills is being able to visualize and bring designs to life in 3D. This skill allows me to effectively communicate my ideas and ensure that the final product meets my vision. It's crucial in creating intricate jewelry designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

My toolbox is quite versatile! I use my Samsung Galaxy Note to sketch out designs on-the-go, which is super convenient, especially during daily routines with my kid or when meeting with clients. For more detailed work, I switch to my Apple Notebook and use Procreate to bring my ideas to life. For 3D modeling, I rely on Matrix. These tools help me streamline my design process and stay organized.

Time management is crucial in design. I break down my process into stages, starting with observation and idea gathering, which typically takes 1-2 weeks. This stage is critical in clarifying the concept and requirements. Once that's settled, I move on to sketching and technical drawing, which usually takes about a week. Then, I spend around a week on 3D modeling. Overall, it takes me about 4-6 weeks to complete a design from concept to finalization.

One of the most frequently asked questions I get as a designer is 'Can you make it a multi-functional piece?' Clients often want jewelry that serves more than one purpose, such as a necklace that can convert into a ring or earrings. I love the challenge of creating innovative designs that meet these requests while maintaining style and functionality.

My clients come from diverse backgrounds and walks of life. I've worked with individuals, couples, professionals, businessmen, and even housewives looking for custom pieces for special occasions, like baby gifts. I enjoy understanding their unique stories and preferences to create personalized jewelry that resonates with them.

I find the most joy in design work when I get to listen to clients' stories and bring their emotions to life through jewelry. It's heartwarming to be a part of their special moments and create pieces that hold sentimental value. Being involved in this process brings me such honor and joy, knowing that I'm contributing to happy and loving moments in people's lives.

My future plans are to continue creating bespoke jewelry pieces that tell unique stories. I'd love to showcase my designs to a wider audience, allowing more people to appreciate and recognize my brand. Ultimately, I aim to establish myself as a renowned jewelry designer, known for my attention to detail and ability to craft meaningful, one-of-a-kind pieces.

I develop my designs independently, bringing my own creative vision to life. However, I collaborate with skilled jewelry manufacturers to bring my designs to fruition. This partnership allows me to focus on the design aspect while leveraging their expertise in crafting high-quality, final products.

"People can contact me or visit my showcase at Singapore Design Orchard, located at 250 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238905. You can also explore my designs on my website: https://royada.jewelry. follow me on Instagram: @ada_jewel_blog (designer page) and @royadajewelry (official page)."