Hong Kong jeweller dazzles with a showcase of his best creations

Wallace Chan has a reputation for artistic jewellery. Now the Hong Kong-based craftsman has launched his first book, Dream Light Water, and a jewellery art exhibition with the same name at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Showcasing 86 intricate and technically innovative pieces, Chan’s publication is an illustrated monograph, encapsulating the best of his creations. Thirty of these pieces, many of which are borrowed from collectors, will be on show at the exhibition.

Chan says the word “dream” in the title refers to his desire to create beautiful pieces, “light” alludes to the way each gemstone comes to life when illuminated, and “water” symbolises his creativity and the way it constantly flows and changes with time.

The idea for his book started seven years ago, but, as one might expect from a man who has dedicated his whole life to his craft, the quality, imagery and paper stock had to be perfect.

“In today’s age, no one needs to read books any more because you can find everything on the internet. So why create Dream Light Water? I wanted something that could stand the test of time, a record of what I’ve done in my 43-year career.”

Published by Rizzoli New York, the book features close-up images and life-sized photographs of Chan’s creations. Alongside essays by jewellery historian Juliet de La Rochefoucauld and Chan, the book is packed with vivid colours that will give viewers an ever greater appreciation for the minute details in Chan’s work.

“I’ve put my heart and soul into this book, and my hope is that people feel that when they read it, or come to the exhibition,” says Chan.