Cindy Chao has become a symbol of artistry, innovation, and unparalleled craftsmanship.
The Taiwanese designer, who founded her eponymous brand in 2004, has elevated jewellery into a form of sculptural art and is now known as the brand of “The Art Jewel”. Her creations are coveted by collectors, displayed in prestigious museums, and celebrated for their intricate detailing and emotional resonance.
Chao’s journey began with a legacy of creativity — her grandfather was an architect who influenced her understanding of structure and form, and her father was a sculptor whose techniques she still integrates into her work today. This unique background allows her to blend architectural precision with an artist’s sensibility, resulting in pieces that transcend traditional notions of jewellery.
One of her most notable achievements is being the first Taiwanese jewellery artist to have her work inducted into the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Her 2010 Ruby Butterfly Brooch, featuring over 2,300 rubies and diamonds, became part of the museum’s permanent collection, cementing her status as a global icon in the jewellery world. Chao has also gained recognition at major auctions. Her pieces often fetch record-breaking prices at Sotheby’s and Christie’s, highlighting their investment value and timeless allure.
Her signature Black Label Masterpieces and White Label Collections highlight her design philosophy. Each Black Label piece is a one-of-a-kind creation that takes years to complete, showcasing her dedication to perfection. The White Label offers a broader collection of exquisite designs, each imbued with her distinctive style.
As Cindy Chao celebrates the 20th anniversary of her brand, she reflects on two decades of pushing boundaries. Her recent collections, such as the Architectural Bangle and Aurora Butterfly, continue to astonish with their innovative use of light, colour, and organic forms.
With each creation, Cindy Chao reshapes the landscape of high jewellery, transforming precious materials into masterpieces that capture moments of beauty and emotion. Her journey from a visionary artist to an internationally celebrated designer is a testament to her artistry, passion, and unwavering pursuit of excellence.
To celebrate her milestone achievement, Cindy Chao presented a showcase in her hometown, Taipei. Twenty Years in Art: A Retrospective Journey presents nearly 30 masterpieces and iconic creations that chronicle two decades of artistic transformation. The collection of pieces includes prestigious works from international private collections, auction highlights, and award-winning creations from art fairs, including rarely seen creations that highlight the designer’s continuous pursuit of breaking artistic boundaries and revolutionising jewellery craftsmanship.
The exhibition takes visitors through three chapters; Emergence, Take Wing and Artistic Mastery.
Emergence defines the beginnings of the brand in 2004, when Chao established it with the vision to create high jewellery with artistic sensibility. These monochromatic pieces symbolise her yearning for transformation and breakthrough. Though austere in colour, these early creations are infused with profound emotion and tension, embodying her resolute determination to challenge traditional boundaries in the realm of artistic high jewellery.
Take Wing highlights how Cindy Chao has participated in prestigious art fairs since 2013, earning accolades and achieving remarkable results at auctions. It was then that three three Black Label Masterpieces have been inducted as permanent collections by renowned museums in the United Kingdom, the United States, and France. These milestones symbolize the brand’s continued ascent and its significant presence on the international stage.
Artistic Mastery focuses on the brand’s story from 2020 since Chao has been focused on capturing moments of resonance between nature and the soul, infusing her creations with emotion and spirit. After nearly two decades of exploration, she has achieved a level of artistic mastery that allows her to effortlessly express her creative vision through forms, colours, curves, layers, lights and shadows. Her work has evolved from the stark black-and-white compositions of her early years to a freer, more fluid style.
