JNA Magazine

JNA

May/June 2024 | 19

| Sharon Kwok |

 

Gender fluidity, unlimited creativity

 

The number of jewellers embracing gender neutrality is on the rise, giving birth to jewelry designs that are inclusive and universal, allowing both men and women to express their individual style.

 

In an era of individualism and inclusivity, gender boundaries are gradually dissipating. Innovative fashion collections are blurring the lines between menswear and womenswear - and so are jewelry designs.

 

The so-called unisex jewelery per se is not new, but the industry is now seeing more refined pieces continuously pushing the envelope of design.

 

Traditional perceptions of jewelry tend to associate men's jewelry with masculine traits such as strength and boldness while female-oriented pieces are often presented as softer and more delicate. Today's genderless designs, however, are reshaping these conventional notions of masculinity and femininity.

 

No boundaries

 

Genderless jewelry not only defies traditional norms but is also breaking creative boundaries by removing gender-specific characteristics in jewelry designs.

 

"Neutral style is a boon for designers as it eliminates gender boundaries at the design level. We do not have to design exclusively for men or women as our jewelry creations can now be appreciated and worn by all genders," said Daisy Chan, an award-winning jewelry designer from Hong Kong.

 

Chan's Muse Collection has garnered international acclaim, earning prestigious awards such as the Muse Design Awards 2021 (platinum awardee), the New York Product Design Awards 2021 (gold awardee) and the IDA Design Awards 2021 (silver awardee).

 

She has also embraced gender-fluid designs for her jewelry brand, Thinking Daisy Jewelery. Her Stone Collection, for instance, featuring rock-like, nature-inspired sterling silver rings, has been well-received by both male and female customers.

 

The designer recently unveiled a new piece called East Dam a statement ring that exhibits more masculine attributes. It was inspired by the popular High Island Reservoir East Dam in Sai Kung, Hong Kong.

 

"I thought it would be more appealing to men for its larger and more rugged design. To my surprise, it has gained greater popularity among women," Chan said. "Modern women are drawn to edgier and more chic designs that go beyond traditional gemstone and diamond settings. Some men, on the other hand, are not so keen on conventionally masculine designs."