1) How long have you been working on the work bench you currently using? Does it have a story / history?
I have been working on this bench since 2020 when I was gifted the jewellery making tools from my Shifu (teacher). I was quite worried when I first “moved out” as I got used to having Shifu to work with me just like a little girl living under the protection and guidance of the parents. But knowing that it is better off for me to be independent and more room to let the seeds of my creativity grow, here I am, creating jewellery in the most vibrant co-working space for independent jewellers in Hong Kong.
2) Which is your favourite tool, and why?
I think I would have different answers at different times along the jewellery making process as I need them all for different purposes. They will become my favourites once they are in my hands. But there is one tool I should mention, it is my welding torch. I used to fear of fire, I tried to avoid going into kitchen and I have never cooked. So the need of using a welding torch in the jewellery making process allows me to learn how to overcome my fears. Yet, it still gets my heart pumping every time when I am melting gold.
3) What is the jewellery making technique / process you enjoy the most, and why?
This is a difficult one as I enjoy the whole process of jewellery making. While technology comes into play in many jewellery workshops, I personally enjoy traditional jewellery making process from gold melting to hammering, from sawing to soldering, from stone setting to polishing. Especially when the parts of the jewellery or the whole jewellery itself can be done easily with 3D drawing and casting, I would still opt for the traditional way of creating it. It is the only way to truly retain the uniqueness of each piece of handmade jewellery.
4) Anything else you want to tell us about your jewellery bench?
I have been telling my friends that I am not a workaholic, yet I spend most of the time at my jewellery bench. It is indeed more than just a workplace; it is a playground and a meditation area at the same time. My jewellery bench is the only place where I can practice persistence and patience while enjoying me-time and be in touch with own thoughts that’s not so easy to be converted in words. It is a place where I can turn my thoughts into tangible pieces that people can see.
