Christian Tse began making jewellery as a young boy alongside his father. As the third generation of a family of jewellers, it is in his blood. At the early age of twelve he began to learn the fine art of moulding precious metals and by the age of twenty-five, he was already crafting some of the most innovative pieces of jewellery, using 18k gold as well as platinum, a medium with which he has since been linked.

Whilst taking the valuable lessons from the traditions and values that have been handed down to him, Christian Tse’s approach has been to infuse a new philosophy and interpretation to an age-old craft, and his goal is to present the world with the finest jewels and most innovative designs a woman could dream of.

Despite his heritage, he has succeeded in creating his own signature style and, since 1996, has his own company in Pasadena, California.

His attitude is fresh with no set structure to pigeon hole his designs. In the hands of Christian Tse, metal is worked and reworked until it is magically transformed into statements of dramatic expression, classic, sensuous beauty and understated elegance.

He weaves pieces that are as intricate and delicate as the silken thread of a spider’s web, completed with gemstones, such as diamonds, lemon citrines and blue topazes, and, in this case, one wondrous pearl. His search for perfection is clearly visible in the refined details and expert craftsmanship found in each piece he creates.

The designer’s inspiration comes from architectural forms that he sees as the foundation of his work. But he also finds inspiration from many sources, some in simple images such as water drops falling from rain-soaked lashes, chiffon ruffles caressing the nape of a woman’s neck or the simple image of ripples on the surface of a gently flowing stream.

The movement in his designs are indicative of these sources of inspiration. His fabric-resembling jewellery is light, wonderfully tactile and gives the impression of being almost fluid as it comfortably drapes over the wearer.
His pieces appear so fragile but are in fact quite solid, as a result of meticulous, painstaking soldering of the thousands of points that make up any one piece.

Despite the complex engineering behind each of his designs, Tse says the lines of his work will always remain simple. As he puts it “when you can cut down the superfluous, the design becomes a classic”.

His creations are sophisticated yet never ostentatious and most pieces look as good with jeans and a simple top as with a ball gown.

Christian Tse works very closely with his wife, Victoria, whose opinion on his creations is of utmost importance to him. Before it is produced every creation must first pass her “wearability” test. Victoria Tse also takes care of the company’s PR and sales as well as bringing up their young family.

Christian Tse designs have been featured in several magazines including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle and Town & Country and he was the winner of the 2000 Couture Award for Best Design in Platinum.

His jewellery is popular with celebrities and has been worn in Hollywood TV series such as The Sopranos and Sex in the City, as well as by Oscar-winning actresses.

He has recently been chosen as one of a select group of designers asked to produce a collection for the new Iridesse pearl stores.

CHRISTIAN TSE
55, Waverly Drive, Studio 108
Pasadena, California 91105
U.S.A.
Tel: +1 626 577 9288
Fax: +1 626 577 9287
www.christiantse.com