ANNA CHENG

Oscarichard recently interviewed Anna Cheng, the founder and curator of AME Gallery, who started her gallery in September 2011.  AME Gallery introduces high-end contemporary fine jewellery created and handcrafted by jewellery artists from different corners of the world.

What inspired you to start this business?
My family has been in jewellery industry for two generations.  I am the third generation now.  I guess my love for jewellery designs has implanted in my heart ever since I was a kid.   My study of interior architecture has later furbished me with aesthetic sense, attention to details and design techniques.  After several years working for various luxury retailers and observingthe growing popularity of designer jewellery, I decided to challenge myself with new pursuit.  I wanted to have a jewellery gallery solely attributed to ingenuity and craftsmanship.

What is your biggest challenge to switch from being an interior architect to a jewellery gallery owner?
Being an interior architect, I was working in a team environment and dealing with relatively “bigger” things than jewellery.  Being a jewellery gallery owner now I work and make decision by myself.  So the change of work environment is one of the biggest challenges for me. It took me some time to feel comfortable talking to myself all the time.

What makes a ‘good’ jewellery piece?
I believe there are 3 important aspects in a “good” jewellery piece– original concept/design, fine craftsmanship and connection with the wearer.  A “good” jewellery piece is a self-expression by both its maker and wearer.

Which type of jewellery do you wear everyday?
I wear all kind of jewellery.  I used to collect costume jewellery from the 50’s – 80’s.  I wear them together with the work by the artists represented at my gallery.  I love to mix and match my jewellery.

Which is your favourite piece in your current collection?
Very tough question! I like all the work I selected for the gallery. If I have to pick one, I would say the Modular Bracelet by Salima Thakker.  It is my favourite because of 2 reasons.  Firstly, Salima was the first artist that I signed up for the gallery.  I fell in love with the Modular Bracelet when I first saw it at her shop in Antwerp, Belgium before I started the gallery.  When I told her about my plan to open a jewellery gallery in Hong Kong, she has given me her full support since then.  Secondly, this piece is a perfect example of “good” jewellery.  The originality of the design and technique being used in this piece has made it very unique.

Who is the designer to look out for Asia 2012?
Yael Sonia from Brazil/New York is the jewellery designer that I will be introducing at my gallery in 2012.  Her ingenious designs have gained her public acclaim and international awards.  Her signature “Perpetual Motion Collection” incorporates movement inspired by children’s whirling top toys.  Yael’s work has been featured in world-renowned shows and galleries in Brazil, Europe and USA.

Is there a jewellery trend you would like to carry in your gallery that you don’t have at the moment?
I will be introducing work from jewellery designers and artists from Turkey and the Middle East in 2012. Their work tend to be bold and rich, with a lot of storytelling, which are very different from the fine jewellery from European artists.  And of course I will introduce work from Asian jewellery artists as well. I am looking into some Japanese and Korean artists and hopefully I will have their works in my gallery early next year.

Who are your target audiences?
My target audiences are those who appreciate artistic creation, high quality craftsmanship and want unique fine jewellery that can express their personality and style.

What are your big plans for 2012?
In 2012, I will be hosting exhibitions of various jewellery artists from different parts of the world, having them in Hong Kong to share their work with jewellery lovers here. I am also working on a project called “Jewels for Good”, an online charity auction. Each month I will select one piece of jewellery from my gallery for public auction. A different charity organization will be nominated in each month and 50% of the final bid price will be donated to that charity.