Who are you, where do you come from?

I’m Sara Chyan, a jewellery designer originally from Hong Kong.

I moved to the UK to study at the Royal College of Art, where I completed an MA in Jewellery and Metal in 2017.

Tell us about yourself and your creations.

I am passionate about creating jewellery that blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. My creations often explore the relationship between metal and temperature, resulting in pieces that change colour with body heat. This concept allows for a personal connection between the jewellery and the wearer, making each piece unique and dynamic.

How did you start, and why did you choose your craft?

My journey into jewellery design began during my BA Visual Arts studies at Hong Kong Baptist University. One of the courses I took was in jewellery, and it sparked my interest in this craft.

I chose jewellery design because it allows me to express my artistic vision in a tangible, wearable form. The tactile nature of working with metal and the challenge of incorporating innovative ideas into my designs drew me to this field. Jewellery is not just about adornment; it’s about creating something that tells a story and evokes emotion.

Do you have a favourite piece ? 

My favourite piece is a bangle from my collection that changes colour with the wearer’s body temperature. It’s special to me because it encapsulates my fascination with the intersection of science and art.

This piece represents the core of my design philosophy – creating jewellery that is both beautiful and interactive, establishing a personal bond with the wearer.

What does creativity mean to you?

Creativity, to me, is the ability to transform inspiration into something tangible and meaningful. It’s about pushing boundaries and exploring new ideas while staying true to one’s personal vision. In jewellery design, creativity involves experimenting with materials and techniques to create pieces that are innovative and expressive.

Any advice for creatives looking to establish their own brand?

My advice for aspiring designers is to remain authentic to your vision and be persistent. Building a brand takes time, effort, and resilience. Understand your audience, stay consistent with your brand identity, and never stop refining your craft. Embrace challenges as learning opportunities and stay passionate about your work.

Do you have favourite materials you like working with?

I particularly enjoy working with sterling silver and thermochromic materials.

Sterling silver allows for intricate detailing and a beautiful finish, while thermochromic materials enable me to explore the concept of temperature-sensitive jewellery. Combining these materials helps me bring my unique design ideas to life.

Luxurious, intricate tactile jewellery. Sara explores the unique temperature-aware colour and geometric shapes of bismuth to create stunning jewellery and art pieces. No two pieces are ever the same, as the colours reflect the different temperatures the material has burned at. This makes each of her creations truly unique.