Cindy Chao
Cindy Chao is a Taiwanese jewellery artisan.
Early life and education
Chao was born in Taiwan, daughter of a sculptor and a businesswoman. She attended the Gemological Institute of America in New York, returning to Taiwan in 2004.[1]
Career
Chao founded her company, Cindy Chao The Art Jewel, in 2004. In 2007, she became the first Taiwanese jewelry artist to take part in a Christie’s New York fine jewelry auction.
Black Label Masterpieces
Chao’s Black Label Masterpieces consist of one-of-kind jewelry artworks, limited to 36 pieces per year.[2] Each Masterpiece is handcrafted over a period of at least two years, working from an original sketch and a wax mold and with rare, fine gemstones, which finally leads to the three-dimensional works of art.
Chao's Black Label Masterpiece Royal Butterfly Brooch was accessioned into the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History's celebrated gem collection.[3][4] The Royal Butterfly is composed of 2,328 gems, totaling 77 carats.[5] The centerpieces of the butterfly’s wings contain four large faceted diamond slices stacked atop a pave layer of faceted diamonds, creating a pattern resembling a living butterfly’s wings. It is estimated to be worth $680,000 USD.
The 2014 Black Masterpiece brooch, Ballerina Butterfly, was designed in collaboration with Sarah Jessica Parker, and will be auctioned to provide funding for the New York City Ballet.[6]
References
- ^ Cindy Chao: The Chao Factor | W Magazine
- ^ Lankarani, Nazanin. "Sculpting Jewelry as Pieces of Art". New York Times, 9 December 2013.
- ^ Cindy Chao: jewels as art | The Jewellery Editor
- ^ Cindy Chao's Butterfly Brooch Added to Smithsonian Gem Hall - Forbes
- ^ Cindy Chao Butterfly Brooch at Smithsonian Museum of Natural History - Taiwanese Jewelry Designer Cindy Chao - Town & Country Magazine
- ^ Sarah Jessica Parker Spreads her Wings with Cindy Chao. Glam.