Meet jewellery designer Bibi Cheung of TVRRINI
TVRRINI STUDIOIn our exploration of the Greek tale of Atlantis, goldsmith and designer Bibi Cheung has guided TVRRINI into a uniquely sophisticated range for jewellery lovers, creating pieces that embrace ancient handcraft in our modern lifestyles.
We bring three collections which invite people to reinterpret centuries-old tales and express themselves colourfully, developed from a series of questions we posed, such as: “What objects and landscapes would have existed in a utopian city like Atlantis?”, and “How can we tell a story with free-form shapes that look as if nature renewed itself long after Atlantis was engulfed by the sea?”
Initially, the KARA collection was the concept of nature’s renewal, a series of fruit-inspired designs.
The subsequent line of NISI takes on a more abstract form in its versatility, drawing from the mountainous Greek landscape and artefacts like water vessels and mosaics.
LAVA, the final collection, recalls the volcanic eruption of Thera (the ancient name of Santorini) that refers to the popular idea that Atlantis was submerged in seawater as a divine punishment.
Speaking about these collections, Bibi offers insight into her inspirations and creative process.
How are you embracing jewellery as a medium to explore and re-imagine legendary stories?
Bibi: I like spending time to make both the front and back of a piece of the same fine quality. For these series, I wanted there to be no 'front and back'. They are both meant to be worn for any occasion by quickly changing either side.
I play a lot with material colour matching, shapes, and patterns to create a fun way of mix-and-match designs. The whole collection can be worn as standalone pieces or combined together.
Give us an idea of the quality that you wish to achieve. How long is the process of making a piece from these collections?
Bibi: A lot of the time, the process takes much longer than I expect. While I craft the wax with the stones and add details to see the piece being slowly created, there is a satisfaction.
The process is sometimes hard, in that I need to make a decision about when to stop and feel that I'm totally satisfied.
What is a highlight of this collection that you want people to know?
Bibi: We select the stones first, then we craft jeweller's wax over the stones. That allows us to brings a softness to the overall look as well as act as setting for the design.
We see rose gold throughout these collections. What do you like about using this metal for jewellery design?
Bibi: I find that rose gold is romantic. Because of the soft tone of its colours, they strongly blend into gemstones that I have collected [for these pieces]. I think that rose gold has always given off a sophisticated, warm feeling to the wearer.
What are some lessons that you want to share from the last two years [of the COVID-19 pandemic]?
Bibi: Even in these crazy last two years, our creativity has not stopped. We believe that the only way to build is by not stopping.
The mess when I am creating a sample of jewellery on my bench sometimes gets to the point where I have no space to work anymore. Then I will tell myself off (!) and tidy up.
Is there someone you would like to give special thanks to?
Bibi: I want to thank anyone who I know and don't know for not giving up on hope. A lot of stories give me a lot of positive inspiration. That motivates me to create something pleasing to see and brings up a little joy for a collection.
I also want to thank nature. We need the four seasons to create different atmospheres. We need nature with us to grow plants, feed animals, and nurture ourselves.
What is a piece of advice that has changed your life?
Bibi: Keep doing what is true for yourself. Never give up, no matter the situation.
What moment from your past still applies to today?
Bibi: I learned to respect what I do from my teachers and family. My teachers gave me knowledge. My family gives me strength.
How do you begin your days?
Bibi: Coffee. My first sentence after waking up is always, "Did you make coffee yet?"
What do you do when you're not online or plugged in?
Bibi: I like to spend time with my family and friends, craft, paint, shop, exercise—just like everyone else.
