Chow Tai Fook, the leading Chinese jewellery brand, has unveiled Timeless Harmony, a new High Jewellery collection recently in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Chow Tai Fook, the leading Chinese jewellery brand, has unveiled Timeless Harmony, a new High Jewellery collection recently in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province. Inspired by Chinese philosophy and architecture, Nicholas Lieou, Creative Director of High Jewellery at Chow Tai Fook, uses a contemporary minimalist design to convey the eternal wisdom of "simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" and interpreting the harmonious beauty of "unity of heaven and man''.

The collection reinterprets the spiritual richness of Chinese philosophy and the poetic structure of Chinese architecture through clean lines, sculptural forms, and restrained elegance, transforming cultural symbolism into designs that are at once contemplative, modern, and bold.

Comprising over 100 meticulously crafted pieces, Timeless Harmony unfolds across seven inspiration elements: Lotus, Heaven and Earth, Joie, Palace, Roof Tiles, Gate and Great Wall. Each one interprets a facet of Chinese cultural and aesthetic heritage, evoking a different expression of harmony, balance, and reverence. It reflects the collection's central pursuit: to render the intangible spirit of Chinese culture into contemporary, wearable masterpieces.

Each creation in Timeless Harmony was brought to life by Chow Tai Fook's In-House High Jewellery Workshop and In-House Design Studio, with elite teams of nationally certified master artisans who hold decades of experience. From intricate stone-setting to custom goldsmithing, every detail reflects an extraordinary level of technical mastery honed over generations. Coloured gemstones and diamonds are paired with materials rich in Chinese heritage, including jadeite and pure gold – precious elements rarely seen in traditional High Jewellery – each handled with precision and reverence. With many pieces requiring hundreds to thousands of hours to complete, the collection stands as a testament to Chow Tai Fook's unmatched craftsmanship and ability to realize artistic ambition at the highest level.

The world premiere of the complete Timeless Harmony collection took place in Hangzhou at the Amanfayun Resort, nestled among bamboo groves and centuries-old Zen Buddhist temples near West Lake.

The Timeless Harmony story was told in a purposefully curated exhibition. Lieou designed the immersive journey to unfold over seven inspiration elements. Informed by classical Chinese garden design, where winding paths and shifting perspectives reveal new scenes at every turn, each space reinterpreted a facet of Chinese heritage through architectural cues and evocative installations. From lighting and display cabinets to jewellery presentations, each element flowed in harmony to offer an intimate, up-close experience with High Jewellery. Lieou's creative direction brought layered storytelling and emotional progression, guiding guests in a way that felt both organic and poetic. More than an exhibition, the immersive experience stood as a singular artistic vision from Lieou, shaped by his deep cultural insight and refined aesthetic control.

Lieou said; "In my creations, I adhere to the philosophy of 'mastering complexity with simplicity,' using simple and modern geometric lines to outline the profound artistic conception of Eastern culture. I hope these jewellery pieces, which combine traditional essence with contemporary style, will showcase China's unique beauty to the world, becoming beloved treasures for jewellery enthusiasts, and can be worn with ease in various life scenarios.

Born in Hong Kong, Lieou pursued jewellery design studies at renowned institutions in London and New York such as Central Saint Martin, the Royal College of Arts, and Fashion Institute of Technology.

Lieou has also designed a collection for Sotheby's Diamonds in 2020. His design philosophy is inspired by his diverse background and international upbringing, seamlessly blending the artistry of the East and the West. His creations are celebrated for their clean lines, minimalist aesthetic, and meticulous attention to detail and technical precision. Deeply rooted in his passion for traditional crafts and gold work, Lieou's designs beautifully embody the fusion of Chinese culture with universal and contemporary sensibilities.

"This launch marks a defining moment in Chow Tai Fook's long legacy,'' Sonia Cheng, Vice-chairman of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, said at the launch event. "It is a bold expression of our commitment to innovation, giving a platform to cultural heritage, artistic pursuit, and masterful craft. Each Timeless Harmony creation carries the legacy and emotional resonance of Chinese artistry, and a vision for its future in the global dialogue. Through its layered, thematic narrative, the collection reimagines the role of High Jewellery in expressing identity, memory, and meaning, and affirms Chow Tai Fook's position as a global leader in craftsmanship and cultural expression."

"Jewellery is not only a presentation of craftsmanship and gemstones but also a cultural symbol and emotional sustenance worn close to the heart," said Catherine Yu, General Manager, High Jewellery at Chow Tai Fook.

"Our high jewellery pieces draw inspiration from the millennia-old Chinese civilization to create timeless masterpieces that can be worn, carrying history and deep affection. Through the launch of the Chow Tai Fook high jewellery collection, we hope to resonate with collectors worldwide who are passionate about culture, share the joy brought by high jewellery, and convey the charm of Chinese culture."