Chien Chen Yu, a first-time contestant, won the champion in the Open Group (Finished Jewellery) with retail price under US$10,000 of the 2017 International Design Competition on Trendy Fei Cui Jewellery with a pendant named ‘Prince of the Forest’. Listening to the croaking frogs and watching them playing are the fond childhood memories of many. However, over-exploitation and industrial development have somehow destructed to the frog’s natural habitat; hence we seldom hear the croaking sound of frogs. This piece of work drew inspiration from environmental protection. It aims to remind the public of the importance of ecological conservation and sustainable development.
From OEM to design, the tradition breaker
Chien Chen Yu graduated from Fu-Hsin Trade & Arts School. He seized the opportunity to work in a jewellery factory and as a salesman when he was 18. At that time standardised production prevailed in Taiwan’s jewellery industry where designs from Hong Kong were considered a trend and he was no special requirements on jewellery designers. Although customised design received more attention later, Chien only worked on OEM projects at first. He never thought of either participating in competitions or designing products. However, the constant evolution of industry environment in recent years, from TV shopping to ecommerce and webcast has dealt a heavy blow to the traditional business model. Everyone was thinking how to transform. Chien Chen Yu said: “Companies, including mine, were facing a shrinking customer base. I was finding ways to help the company ride out the storm.” Director of Yi Li Gem Lab Lisa Lo, Taiwan, always encourages people to take part in contests. The fei cui market in Taiwan was flourishing until the industry environment changed which encouraged Chien to sign up the competition in a hope to win glory for Taiwan.
Surrounded by fabulous gemstones every day, Chien Chen Yu always asks himself: “Is there any linkage between touching stories and jewellery design? Can jewellery work evoke our wonderful memories?” He thinks about the games he used to play in the countryside, the feeling of gentle breeze and the sound of croaking frogs with his eyes closed during his childhood – a kind of life he wants to live. He told the own story through ‘Prince of the Forest’ in the competition. He used neither pricey nor flamboyant gemstones. But if you look close enough, you would discover the exquisiteness of his work.
Instead of feeling complacent, he has realised the specific areas that need further improvement after the trip to the award presentation in Beijing where he interacted with consumers and realised the big potential of the China market. It is important for him to go out exchanging ideas with trade people in order to improve.
Chien Chen Yu has a background in painting. Along with his rich experience in jewellery production, he is able to identify the blind spots in design. He said customers nowadays demand for uniqueness and personlisation, so he will devote more time to creating more designs with different materials. He wishes he could have another piece of jewellery that shines on the international stage in future. (Text and photo courtesy: Jewelry World, Taiwan)
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