Chantel Shafie on how Hong Kong inspires her unique coin-based designs
Feb 19, 2025
After an overwhelmingly positive response to her unique coin-based designs, Chantel Shafie officially established her eponymous brand last year with the launch of The Eternal Dragon Collection. The Hong Kong-based fine jewellery designer tells Haley Sengsavanh what drew her to her craft, and how Hong Kong’s vibrant culture and traditions inspire her work
Chantel Shafie’s journey in fine jewellery design is a testament to the power of following one’s passion. After studying design in college and taking a brief detour in her early 20s, she returned to her true calling and has spent nearly 15 years creating bespoke heirloom pieces and custom bridal jewellery.
Based in Hong Kong for the past two decades, Shafie brings together her Anglo-Persian heritage with Eastern influences to create meaningful pieces that tell personal stories. From her pandemic-inspired Signature Medallion Collection to her latest Eternal Dragon Collection, her work bridges tradition and contemporary design while honouring the rich craftsmanship of Hong Kong.
What excites you about designing jewellery?
I view jewellery as a powerful expression of art, design and individuality. While I deeply appreciate its aesthetic beauty, what truly excites me is the opportunity to create pieces that carry personal meaning and significance, representing each wearer's unique life story.
Ultimately, my goal is to create jewellery that not only enhances beauty but also empowers individuals to express their journeys and celebrate the meaningful moments in their lives. I believe that every piece should tell a story, and I’m here to help bring those stories to life.
Can you tell us more about the different collections?
It was actually the unexpected and overwhelming response to The Signature Medallion Collection and The Chinese Zodiac Series that gave me the impetus to start the Chantel Shafie Jewellery brand.
I created The Signature Medallion Collection during the pandemic, when many people were separated from their loved ones. I hand-picked vintage 22k gold coins from around the world and set them into diamond medallions. Some clients already had coins that they wanted me to use, while others asked me to source special coins with particular dates and origins. I wanted to make these into beautiful, wearable pieces that clients could keep close to their hearts.
Following this, I created The Chinese Zodiac Series, using Hong Kong coins depicting zodiac animals set into diamond medallions. Clients purchased them to commemorate children’s births or significant life events. Some even purchased them for their children, and to pass down to each generation as a family heirloom.
My latest collection, The Eternal Dragon Collection, is an ode to Hong Kong. The design merges traditional Chinese motifs with contemporary elements and centres around a mighty dragon and auspicious clouds, which adorn opposite sides of a lucky feng shui coin. I worked on this collection under the guidance of a Hong Kong- based feng shui master and a master dragon carver, selecting and designing each element based on its cultural and spiritual significance. Each piece is also adorned with diamonds and inlaid with one of six ornamental stones chosen for their unique properties.
What does it mean to design bespoke jewellery?
Designing bespoke jewellery is a truly beautiful and personal journey that transforms a vision into a cherished piece. It’s not just about creating jewellery; it's about crafting a meaningful experience. Many clients may not know exactly what they want, and that's where I come in. I guide them through the process, helping them discover their unique story and how best to express it through custom design.
The bespoke experience allows clients to engage in every step— from selecting the finest materials to incorporating intricate details that resonate with their personal narratives.
It’s a collaborative effort that fosters a deep connection between the wearer and the piece. This process is enjoyable and enriching, unlike picking something off the shelf. The end product is not just an adornment; it’s a treasured keepsake that carries memories and emotions, often becoming a family heirloom.
How did you go about finding a workshop to bring your designs to life?
The first workshop I started working with is a renowned business in Hong Kong that collaborates with established high jewellery brands on important pieces. At the time, I was just starting out on my bespoke jewellery journey, and I feel incredibly fortunate that they took a chance on me as a new-generation designer.
This family-owned business was established in 1959, and the master goldsmith there recognised the importance of passing down traditional skills, especially as younger generations seemed less interested in continuing the craft. Despite the initial language barrier, we formed an incredible partnership.
Over the last 10 years, I’ve taught him English, and he’s become my mentor, bestowing upon me a lifetime of knowledge about traditional fine jewellery manufacturing and long-forgotten techniques. As my business has grown, I now work with several workshops and suppliers, but my commitment to a collaborative approach and honouring traditional craftsmanship remains central to my work.
Why did you decide to be based in Hong Kong?
The unparalleled craftsmanship in Hong Kong is a significant reason for my choice to work here. Being based in the city allows me to be in the workshop daily and check on projects and source stones in real time. This hands-on involvement is crucial, as it ensures I maintain a high quality and can oversee the intricate details that matter most in both bespoke designs and my Signature Medallion Collection. I also feel a strong desire to contribute to the vibrant community that has given me so much. By supporting local artisans and sharing my journey, I hope to honour the rich heritage of craftsmanship in Hong Kong and inspire the next generation of designers.
How does Hong Kong continue to inspire you and your work?
Living in Hong Kong has provided endless inspiration for my designs, through the city’s vibrant culture and deep-rooted traditions. The diverse array of traditional Chinese motifs has particularly shaped my work, culminating in collections like The Chinese Zodiac Series and The Eternal Dragon Collection, as I mentioned previously.
Coming from a mixed Anglo-Persian heritage and having lived both in the UK and Hong Kong, I find myself profoundly enriched by the rich tapestry of the cultures, symbols and motifs I have been exposed to. This fusion of cultures enables me to create pieces that resonate on multiple levels, blending Western and Eastern philosophies and aesthetics.
My deep appreciation for Hong Kong will continue to inspire me and future collections. For instance, for Chinese New Year, I will release a snake- inspired Chinese Zodiac capsule. That said, the next collection I’m working on will have a different look and feel from my recent ones. It will speak to my fascination with the play of light and how it influences my designs. While I want to keep the specifics under wraps for now, I’m excited about the fresh new design elements that will emerge. Watch this space!
