Timeline
2021
Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres
On 17 November 2021, Cindy Chao have been honourably appointed Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres, a distinction she received from the hands of the Culture Minister of France Roselyne Bachelot herself. Ms. Bachelot honoured Cindy Chao at the ceremony, “Exceptional artist-jeweller you keep pushing the limits of your art. At the crossroads between goldsmith, sculpture and architecture - for the exceptional quality of your works and for your contribution to the life and transmission of the jewellery savoir faire of our country – We make you a “Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Art et Lettres”
Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres
Shanghai
Celebrates the grand opening of CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel’s further expansion into Shanghai, the brand held their first independent exhibition, The Endless Realm, during June 19-27. The exhibition is the story of the contemporary Asian high jeweller and its philosophy and artistic essence since its establishment in 2004. A maison that is a fusion between East & West, between Art & Jewels and who dares to be different with this unique artist experience.
Shanghai
Celebrates the grand opening of CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel’s further expansion into Shanghai, the brand held their first independent exhibition, The Endless Realm, during June 19-27. The exhibition is the story of the contemporary Asian high jeweller and its philosophy and artistic essence since its establishment in 2004. A maison that is a fusion between East & West, between Art & Jewels and who dares to be different with this unique artist experience.
The Endless Realm is an artistic installation a journey into the third dimension of time and space of artist Cindy Chao’s creative mastermind.
London
CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel is honoured to announce the induction of the 2018 Black Label Masterpiece XVIII "Peony Brooch” into the acclaimed William and Judith Bollinger Gallery of the Victoria and Albert Museum in May. The brooch marks the third Cindy Chao creation to feature in a major museum, following the Butterflies that form part of the permanent collections of the Smithsonian and Musée des Arts Décoratifs.
London
CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel is honoured to announce the induction of the 2018 Black Label Masterpiece XVIII "Peony Brooch” into the acclaimed William and Judith Bollinger Gallery of the Victoria and Albert Museum in May. The brooch marks the third Cindy Chao creation to feature in a major museum, following the Butterflies that form part of the permanent collections of the Smithsonian and Musée des Arts Décoratifs.
2018 Black Label Masterpiece XVIII "Peony Brooch”
The Peony Brooch sits alongside some of the finest jewels in the world
2020
Shanghai
CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel opens its Shanghai Maison – an invitation and by appointment only space that is conceived as Cindy’s home.
Cindy Chao co-designed the Maison with two world-class artists – Dutch architect Tom Postma and French-Swedish sculptor Ingrid Donat. The journey begins with an entirely hand-carved entry way and a showcase sculpted by Tom Postma himself, and continues as collectors are welcomed into the Lounge and the VIP rooms where hand-crafted art creations by Ingrid Donat and Herve Van der Straeten.
Shanghai Maison Opening
Maastricht
CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel proudly returns to the prestigious TEFAF Maastricht in March 2020 with another exceptional suite of jewelled creations. This year, Cindy Chao presents her masterpieces in a new awe-inspiring booth designed in collaboration with world-renowned Dutch architect Tom Postma.
Maastricht
CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel proudly returns to the prestigious TEFAF Maastricht in March 2020 with another exceptional suite of jewelled creations. This year, Cindy Chao presents her masterpieces in a new awe-inspiring booth designed in collaboration with world-renowned Dutch architect Tom Postma.
TEFAF 2020
Paris
CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel is honored to announce the historic induction of the Black Label Masterpiece I, 2008 “Ruby Butterfly Brooch,” into the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, marking the first time a Taiwanese Jewelry Artist has been inducted into the museum’s acclaimed permanent collection.
Paris
CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel is honored to announce the historic induction of the Black Label Masterpiece I, 2008 “Ruby Butterfly Brooch,” into the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, marking the first time a Taiwanese Jewelry Artist has been inducted into the museum’s acclaimed permanent collection.
Black Label Masterpiece I “Ruby Butterfly Brooch"
The brooch joins a selection of Cindy’s exquisite art pieces that currently live in paramount museums worldwide.
2019
London
CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel presents its latest Black Label Masterpieces at Masterpiece London 2019. Its Black Label Masterpiece “Winter Leaves Necklace” won the Masterpiece London Highlight Award, selected for being the “Best Jewellery Piece of the Fair.”
Masterpiece London 2019
To pay tribute to Chao's unique family legacy, her latest creations at Masterpiece London are showcased around a physical Tree of Life.
Maastricht, Netherlands
CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel unveils its latest 2019 Black Label Masterpieces at TEFAF Maastricht, held from 16 to 24 March at MECC Maastricht, Netherlands.
The 2019 Black Label Masterpieces are showcased on a Tree of Life that symbolizes the jewellery artist Cindy Chao’s unique family legacy. For Chao, every piece of jewellery should be a miniature work of art. She is devoted to fusing the 18th-century European artisan wax sculpting technique with modern cutting-edge craftsmanship, to create jewellery pieces that are organic, sculptural and architectural.
Maastricht, Netherlands
CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel unveils its latest 2019 Black Label Masterpieces at TEFAF Maastricht, held from 16 to 24 March at MECC Maastricht, Netherlands.
The 2019 Black Label Masterpieces are showcased on a Tree of Life that symbolizes the jewellery artist Cindy Chao’s unique family legacy. For Chao, every piece of jewellery should be a miniature work of art. She is devoted to fusing the 18th-century European artisan wax sculpting technique with modern cutting-edge craftsmanship, to create jewellery pieces that are organic, sculptural and architectural.
TEFAF 2019
Hollywood, California
Oscar award winning actress Julia Roberts wears Cindy Chao’s Architectural Earrings and Branch Bangle at the 91st Academy Awards.
Hollywood, California
Oscar award winning actress Julia Roberts wears Cindy Chao’s Architectural Earrings and Branch Bangle at the 91st Academy Awards.
2018
London
CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel unveils its 2018 Black Label Masterpieces globally at Masterpiece London – the first time the brand has been shown in London and is proud to unveil Cindy’s Black Label Masterpieces. The only Asian high jeweller present at this year's fair, CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel is delighted The Peony Brooch has been awarded ‘Outstanding Object’ by the Masterpiece 2018 Awards Committee.
Masterpiece London 2018
CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel is delighted The Peony Brooch has been awarded ‘Outstanding Object’ by the Masterpiece 2018 Awards Committee.
2017
Paris
CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel returns to Paris where the brand holds its long-awaited annual high jewellery unveiling in response to the high demand of international collectors following its successful debut at the 28th Biennale des Antiquaires in Paris in 2016. The brand new Dragonfly Collection is the vivid materialization of artist Cindy Chao’s study of dragonflies over the past six years.
Conch Pearl Dragonfly
Unveiled at Paris Haute Couture
Hong Kong
Cindy Chao is celebrated in Christie’s “Magnificent Jewels” auction as an Iconic Hong Kong Jewellery Designer. It is also the very first time the artist presents two Black Label Masterpieces in the auction. The three stunning pieces – Phoenix Feather Brooch, Colombian Emerald Snowpeas Earrings and the White Label Ribbon Ruby Ring – are sold for a total of HK$16 million (approximately US$2.06 million), almost twice the initial estimation.
Hong Kong
Cindy Chao is celebrated in Christie’s “Magnificent Jewels” auction as an Iconic Hong Kong Jewellery Designer. It is also the very first time the artist presents two Black Label Masterpieces in the auction. The three stunning pieces – Phoenix Feather Brooch, Colombian Emerald Snowpeas Earrings and the White Label Ribbon Ruby Ring – are sold for a total of HK$16 million (approximately US$2.06 million), almost twice the initial estimation.
Taipei
CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel opens its exclusive private showroom in Taipei New Horizon, the new landmark of cultural and creative art industry in the very heart of Taipei. A special unveiling of selected 2017 Black Label Masterpieces was held during the grand inauguration, marking again the brand’s continuous refinement in artistry.
Taipei
CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel opens its exclusive private showroom in Taipei New Horizon, the new landmark of cultural and creative art industry in the very heart of Taipei. A special unveiling of selected 2017 Black Label Masterpieces was held during the grand inauguration, marking again the brand’s continuous refinement in artistry.
Appointment Only Private Showroom
In Taipei
Los Angeles
At the 89th Academy Awards actress Amy Adams wears Four Seasons Branch Diamond Earrings, and is noted one of the Top 10 Best Dressed actresses on this most important night of Hollywood.
Los Angeles
At the 89th Academy Awards actress Amy Adams wears Four Seasons Branch Diamond Earrings, and is noted one of the Top 10 Best Dressed actresses on this most important night of Hollywood.
Amy Adams
The Oscars 2017, 89th Academy Awards
Branches Earrings
2016
Paris
CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel is invited to participate in the 28th Paris Biennale des Antiquaires where the 2016 Black Label Masterpieces are revealed. The Biennale signified the brand’s swift rise to global recognition at the highly regarded event; it also marked the first worldwide unveil of Chao’s masterful pieces to the public.
Biennale
Video
Cindy Chao
In front of the Petit Palais Paris
2015
Paris
CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel unveils Black Label Masterpieces for the first time at the Paris Haute Couture, offering greater access to the jewellery, which hitherto had only been exhibited or viewed by private appointment.
VIP Appeciating Black Label Masterpieces
At Paris Haute Couture
Paris
Hong Kong
The long-awaited debut of a private showroom at 50 Connaught Road Central, home of some of the city’s major art galleries. The showroom marks the transfer of the brand’s headquarters to Hong Kong and permanently houses the Black Label Masterpieces, which can be viewed by appointment. The showroom, with its dark lacquered décor and sophisticated ambience, represents Cindy Chao’s vision for her brand.
Hong Kong
The long-awaited debut of a private showroom at 50 Connaught Road Central, home of some of the city’s major art galleries. The showroom marks the transfer of the brand’s headquarters to Hong Kong and permanently houses the Black Label Masterpieces, which can be viewed by appointment. The showroom, with its dark lacquered décor and sophisticated ambience, represents Cindy Chao’s vision for her brand.
Rosamund Kwan
In the Private Showroom
2014
Hong Kong
Cindy Chao and actress and philanthropist Sarah Jessica Parker co-design the 2014 Black Label Masterpiece Butterfly Ballerina Brooch that depicts a ballerina imitating the graceful beauty of a butterfly. It is auctioned at Sotheby’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels and Jadeite sale in the autumn, raising US$1.21 million. The net proceeds from its sale are donated to the New York City Ballet.
Cindy Chao and Sarah Jessica Parker
Sotheby’s Magazine Cover
New York
Cindy Chao and Sarah Jessica Parker co-chair the 2014 New York City Ballet Fall Gala to celebrate the ballerinas who inspired the delicate and intricately structured Butterfly Ballerina brooch.
New York
Cindy Chao and Sarah Jessica Parker co-chair the 2014 New York City Ballet Fall Gala to celebrate the ballerinas who inspired the delicate and intricately structured Butterfly Ballerina brooch.
Cindy Chao and Sarah Jessica Parker
2013
Hong Kong
To celebrate its 40th anniversary in Asia, Sotheby’s Hong Kong collaborates with Cindy Chao to create the 2013 Black Label Masterpiece No. 19, an 8.03-carat unheated “Pigeon’s Blood” Burmese Ruby Ribbon Ring. The ring is the highlight of the anniversary auction and achieves US$3.84 million, setting a new record for an Asian contemporary art jewel.
Burmese Ruby Ribbon Ring
Sotheby's Hong Kong 2013 catalogue cover
Washington, D.C.
Two years after its induction, the Royal Butterfly brooch goes on display to the public in the Gem Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution. Created in 2009, the brooch is the first Taiwanese-designed jewel in the collection.
Washington, D.C.
Two years after its induction, the Royal Butterfly brooch goes on display to the public in the Gem Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution. Created in 2009, the brooch is the first Taiwanese-designed jewel in the collection.
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
In Washington, D.C.
Los Angeles
At the 85th Academy Awards actress and film director Salma Hayek wears the 2010 Black Label Masterpiece No. VI Maple Leaves choker.
Los Angeles
At the 85th Academy Awards actress and film director Salma Hayek wears the 2010 Black Label Masterpiece No. VI Maple Leaves choker.
Salma Hayek
The Oscars 2013, 85th Academy Awards
2012
London
The Majestic Beauty Fan with its detachable butterfly brooch, created in collaboration with Forevermark (De Beers), is the highlight of ‘Brilliant’ a capsule exhibition of diamond masterpieces curated by Carol Woolton to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee at the Masterpiece London art and luxury fair.
Majestic Butterfly Fan
At Masterpiece London
Geneva
The Transcendence Butterfly, the 2012 Black Label Masterpiece No. 1, is auctioned at Christie’s achieving US$954,201, over four times the estimate.
Geneva
The Transcendence Butterfly, the 2012 Black Label Masterpiece No. 1, is auctioned at Christie’s achieving US$954,201, over four times the estimate.
Geneva
Los Angeles
At the 84th Academy Awards, Chinese actress Li Bingbing wears Maple Leaves earrings and Flaming Floral Ruby cuff.
Los Angeles
At the 84th Academy Awards, Chinese actress Li Bingbing wears Maple Leaves earrings and Flaming Floral Ruby cuff.
Li Bingbing
The Oscars 2012, 84th Academy Awards
International
For the Best of the Best 2012 award the Robb Report selects, for the second consecutive year, a CINDY CHAO Art Jewel, the Equinox Cuff, the 2011 Black Label Masterpiece VI.
International
For the Best of the Best 2012 award the Robb Report selects, for the second consecutive year, a CINDY CHAO Art Jewel, the Equinox Cuff, the 2011 Black Label Masterpiece VI.
Robb Report 2012 Cover
2011
Hong Kong
The Solstice Cuff, the 2010 Black Label Masterpiece No. VIII, a design centred on a 7.02 carat Fancy Light Yellow diamond, is a highlight of the Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels and Jadeites auction and realizes US$465,000, three times the estimate. The Solstice Cuff later featured in the Robb Report and was awarded ‘Best of the Best’ 2011 in the fine jewellery category.
Beijing
CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel announces its official arrival in China with an exhibition of Black Label Masterpieces. Guest of honour at the event is actress Sarah Jessica Parker.
Beijing
CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel announces its official arrival in China with an exhibition of Black Label Masterpieces. Guest of honour at the event is actress Sarah Jessica Parker.
Sarah Jessica Parker and Cindy Chao
At the Black Label Masterpieces Exhibition in Beijing
2010
New York
Bergdorf Goodman unveils the White Label Series to their clients.
Bergdorf Goodman Department Store
In New York
Washington, D.C.
The Royal Butterfly, 2009 Masterpiece No. I inducted into the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History’s gem collection. The meticulous detail of the Royal Butterfly symbolizes Cindy Chao’s metamorphosis from jewellery designer to jewellery artist.
Washington, D.C.
The Royal Butterfly, 2009 Masterpiece No. I inducted into the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History’s gem collection. The meticulous detail of the Royal Butterfly symbolizes Cindy Chao’s metamorphosis from jewellery designer to jewellery artist.
Beijing
In celebration of Bazaar Jewellery’s first anniversary, Bazaar China Group hosts an exhibition of the Black Label Masterpieces.
Beijing
In celebration of Bazaar Jewellery’s first anniversary, Bazaar China Group hosts an exhibition of the Black Label Masterpieces.
Black Label Masterpieces Exhibition
At Bazaar Jewelry Beijing
2009
New York
Phillips de Pury auction house features the Four Seasons Maple Ring.
Maple Ring
At Phillips de Pury New York
Dubai
The debut of the Art Jewels Imperial Danseurs and Castles collections headline the auction at Christie’s Dubai.
Cindy Chao is invited to join the world’s top 15 leading independent jewellery designers to show with Quintessentially at the Burj Al Arab.
Dubai
The debut of the Art Jewels Imperial Danseurs and Castles collections headline the auction at Christie’s Dubai.
Cindy Chao is invited to join the world’s top 15 leading independent jewellery designers to show with Quintessentially at the Burj Al Arab.
Christie’s Dubai 2009 catalogue cover
International
Cindy Chao collaborates with Forevermark (De Beers), the Master Diamantaires, to create the Majestic Beauty Fan, which measures 20 x 45cms and is set with 2,399 diamonds weighing 310.27 carats. This work of art reshapes the conventional perception that jewellery can only be worn as a luxury accessory. It is exhibited in museums around the world.
International
Cindy Chao collaborates with Forevermark (De Beers), the Master Diamantaires, to create the Majestic Beauty Fan, which measures 20 x 45cms and is set with 2,399 diamonds weighing 310.27 carats. This work of art reshapes the conventional perception that jewellery can only be worn as a luxury accessory. It is exhibited in museums around the world.
Majestic Beauty Fan
In collaboration with Forevermark (De Beers)
2007
New York
Cindy Chao becomes the first jewellery artist from Taiwan to be part of the Christie’s New York fine jewellery auction where she debuts her signature sculpted Four Seasons collection. This encompasses her Black Label Masterpiece Collection and White Label Collection.
Winter Choker and Bangle
Four Seasons Collection
2004
Taipei
CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel brand is established with the opening of a private showroom and design studio in Taipei.
Appointment Only Private Showroom
In Taipei