By Angela Feng
Pictures courtesy of Chia-Chun Chang
Haute joaillerie, high jewelry, is cherished by royalty, aristocrats, celebrities, and members of the elite. Such jewelry pieces become precious heirlooms that families pass down for generations. They can also become cultural artifacts that are displayed in museums. Their value isn’t determined only by the quality and rarity of the gems, but is also reflected in the exquisite designs and meticulous craftsmanship. While such pieces are widely appreciated, many forget to celebrate the mind and hands that crafted them.
Meet Chia-Chun Chang, a top designer of haute joaillerie who has worked with some of the world’s most exclusive brands. She came to Europe from Taiwan more than 20 years ago, full of dreams, and has since become one of the most sought-after French jewelry designers. At home, she is a devoted wife and mother of two.
Pursuing Her Dreams
It was Chang’s longtime goal to become a top haute joaillerie designer. However, her path hasn’t been easy and has been full of setbacks. “Jewelry design has never been a smooth road,” she said in an interview with Elite Lifestyle Magazine.
Chang attended the Royal College of Art in London, England, where she graduated from the Jewelry and Metal program. Afterward, she traveled around Europe, attending various metalworking and jewelry-design workshops. Unfortunately, job opportunities in jewelry design are scarce. Time and time again, she considered giving up; however, Chang persisted, as deep down she knew jewelry design was her biggest passion.
Eventually, her determination paid off. In order to stay in France, Chang enrolled in the Institut Supérieur de Luxe in Paris. Her master’s thesis ended up winning an award, and she was invited to attend an exclusive graduation banquet. Just before leaving the banquet, Chang received a slip of paper that would change her life forever. Scribbled on a scrap torn from a concert flier was the name and contact information of the CEO of Cartier, thus kick-starting Chang’s career…
