YVONNE KUNG
The managing director of Julico Jewel, a family-run business established more than 40 years ago, Yvonne combined her experience working in banking and recruitment with her love of semi-precious gems to take over running the business.
Yvonne has extended Julico Jewel’s range to offer more imaginative and quirky designs alongside customised pieces for high-profile clients such as Grace Jones and former US president Bill Clinton.
“We have a strong European background from my mother’s side, particularly from Russia, and so that inspired me to incorporate my ideas in a variety of innovative styles as part of Julico Jewel’s overall design concept,” she says.
Yvonne’s designs are a whimsical yet elegant take on everyday objects: a delicate filigree bracelet or a necklace resembling a tassel, geometric earrings featuring coloured gemstones or a diamond-studded brooch in the shape of a bee.
“I am lucky enough to be fairly well travelled and take a very keen interest in my surroundings,” she says. “I closely observe how sensory aspects, both natural and constructed, can be fashioned artistically into delightful pieces of jewellery featuring gemstones.”
As a jeweller who started out in a different field altogether, Yvonne feels Hong Kong has many opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. “There are many excellent jewellery design courses that help foster creativity and offer expertise in the production process,” she says. “The Trade Development Council, in particular, initiates an annual design competition that allows young designers to showcase their collections and garner a wider audience for their skills.”