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‘Playful, feminine, edgy’: Florence Tsai’s jewellery distinction

The multi-talented designer explains how travel and nature have inspired her stylish pieces

Cathay Pacific inflight shopping magazine Discover the Shop supports local Hong Kong designers. This month, we talk to designer Florence Tsai of Florence T about her inspiring jewellery designs.

How did you get into jewellery making?

I became fascinated with jewellery after returning to Hong Kong and discovering the magnificent jewels at the jewellery fairs, as well as during my tenure at Sotheby’s. My mother is also a collector of jewels and I was always captivated by how these beautiful objects come to life.

What inspires you?

My designs are inspired by my travels as well as my personal style, which I would describe as fun and playful, feminine but edgy. I am inspired by nature and beautiful craftsmanship; I would also say that my designs are infused with culture.

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You have two pieces selling onboard Cathay Pacific. Can you tell us more about the Trevi necklace and Lacrima earrings?

The inspiration is twofold – firstly, my English name is Florence, a city in Italy, so I drew some inspiration from there. Secondly, my Chinese name has a strong fire element to it, so I require more of the water element to maintain a good balance.

I have always been fascinated by the ocean and marine life. So I designed a pair of earrings with 18K gold, freshwater pearls and pink and blue crystals in a teardrop shape. The necklace is inspired by the Trevi Fountain in Rome, and the three ‘floating’ crystals represent the three wishes granted to anyone who throws a coin into the fountain.

What about the materials you use?

I always try to use materials that are natural and colourful, such as agate and lapis lazuli. Natural stones come in many different colours and are beautiful yet affordable. All my pieces feature 18K gold (nothing beats the shimmer of quality gold!) as well as pearls and crystals.

What do you love most about being a designer in Hong Kong?

I was born and raised in Hong Kong so it brings me great pride to be able to contribute to the local design scene. As a new designer, it’s important to have support, and Hong Kong is great in this sense. The great thing about being a designer here is that a lot of things are easily accessible and research can be done quickly and I can always have my questions answered very efficiently.

So, what’s next?

Aside from working on further jewellery designs, I also aim to work with other Hong Kong designers to create new, trendy products. I am currently designing a perfume bottle and am also working on some designs for leather goods, sunglasses and clothing.

See the latest issue of Discover the Shop inflight for more on Florence T. Or, visit the Cathay Pacific online duty free shop to purchase your own Trevi Necklace and Lacrima Earrings and for the latest promotions. 

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Discovery online brings together all the inspirational travel writing from our two inflight magazines, Discovery and Silkroad. Be sure to look out for the print editions when you next fly with Cathay Pacific or Cathay Dragon.
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