Cindy Chao and tomorrow’s artists

Wisdom is learned, expertise is inherited. Owing her design ingenuity to the teachings of her architect grandfather and sculptor father, Cindy Chao understands that the precious stones and the finest materials aren’t the most priceless aspects of her artistry – it’s the transmission of craftsmanship.

Sharing her invaluable knowledge and design flair with the next generation of talented jewellery makers has always been on the agenda for Chao, and in February 2024 she was invited to host a week-long workshop with 28 students at the distinguished Haute École de Joaillerie in Paris. With a spotlight on wax sculpting, an ancient tradition in jewellery making – for which Cindy Chao is renowned – the cohort were imbued with a profound appreciation for Western savoir-faire with a new and modern point of view, creating a piece that celebrates the time-honoured craft.

‘It was a truly immersive experience for me, mentoring the students,’ explained Chao. ‘And to witness they have not only preserved the traditional skills but also embraced innovation and breakthroughs in the field.’

Honing their individual skills while working collaboratively – much like the expert artisan craftsmen who work alongside Chao – students proudly presented their avant-garde work of art at the Louvre Museum during the prestigious Campus Louvre, la nocturne event. Inspired by Caravaggio’s La Dormition de la Vierge, housed beneath the Louvre’s glass pyramid, as well as the flowerbeds of Le Jardin des Tuileries, the piece continues to speak Chao’s dialogue between art and nature.

Of the finished work, jewellery historian and professor at Haute École de Joaillerie Michèle Heuzé said, ‘Light serves as the beautiful link that connects the canvas, the painting, the garden and Cindy herself. While Cindy is undoubtedly passionate about nature and subject matter, it is ultimately her deep emotional connection that sets her apart.’

Chao’s gift of craftsmanship is an heirloom, ensuring lost arts never fall into obscurity. This passion for imparting her expertise is something held at the core of her brand, where the ultimate goal is to ensure a future hundred-year-old institution – and it’s here that the next guardians of CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel will be discovered.