AUDREY SAVRANSKY

Born in Belgium, Audrey studied journalism but came from a family that has been in the diamond industry for four generations. She moved to Hong Kong 10 years ago and started her own business in 2008.

Audrey’s line, AS29, is a chic alternative for women seeking non-traditional designs they can wear every day.

“Jewellery has become more of an accessory,” says Audrey. “Women today, especially in Asia, are very independent and they buy their own jewellery. I wanted to create jewellery that was affordable, to a certain extent. I design for women who are fashion- and trend-oriented.”

AS29 veers away from classic designs as Audrey draws inspiration from her day-to-day life and extensive travels, as well as magazines and vintage jewellery books. A doctor’s appointment for her son to get X-rays for an arm injury gave her ideas for the vertebraestructured Spine collection, while a beach holiday in the US was the catalyst for the wave-like Ocean series. Should a collection work particularly well, she will go back to reimagine it.

“I believe fine jewellery today does not have to be worn for a special occasion,” Audrey says. “On the contrary, they should be worn all the time.”

Having spent a decade in Hong Kong, Audrey loves how easy it is to do business in the city. “This is a very work-oriented city where anything is possible,” she says. “All the resources are here and it’s just up to you to pick up the phone and ask for it. And being next to China, where we manufacture, is a great advantage for me.”

Audrey is also pleasantly surprised by women’s financial independence. “I’m amazed at what women in Hong Kong buy on their own accord. It is very empowering,” she says. “You certainly don’t see this in Europe.”