Do you love big, bold, dramatic jewelry? We do, and so does our featured indie designer, Tricia Yap of Bejewelled Bespoke Designs. Tricia currently handcrafts each elegant piece from Hong Kong, and offers free international shipping on all of her online sales.

Tell us a little about yourself and your work. My name is Tricia Yap and I am a self-taught jewelry designer originally from Sydney, Australia. I recently moved to Hong Kong with my partner and darling cat, Genji, after quitting my stressful corporate day job for a change in scenery. My work is all about statement jewelry -– big, bold and lavish! It is the conversation piece at an event where you know no one, or the piece de resistance of an outfit. My jewelry is for the woman who wants to express herself through her accessories and is not afraid to do so. It is not just for night, but also for the day. And for all occasions -– whether you are stepping out to meet a friend for coffee, or going to a wedding.

How did you get started as a designer? My mother was a fashion designer -- when I was little, she had a couture shop full of the most amazing gowns and she used to give me little jewelry design projects to keep me busy as I proved useless with a sewing machine. I always dreamed about those full length gowns and how I would one day be able to be tall and grown up enough to wear one. As I grew older, I continued making jewelry just for myself and always received compliments from friends and people off the street. Soon enough, I was selling to friends and their friends via word of mouth. Since relocating to Hong Kong, I decided to put my jewelry designs online.

What inspires your work? My mother's style inspires me. She is the most elegantly and glamorously dressed woman I know, and one of the few women who can take a simple outfit but still come off as amazingly stylish. Color inspires me –- particularly gold, black, emerald green, white opal, red, and yellow.

Who are your favorite designers? Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana, and Valentino. My mother has kept all her pieces from these designers dating back to the 1980s, and that is sheer proof that they are timeless.

What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves? My fashion must-have: statement jewelry. I could step out in a pair of skinny jeans and a tank top, but if I put on a pair of long dangly chandelier earrings I wouldn't need much else to make the outfit. Fresh and glowing skin is my beauty must-have -- drink lots of water, eat healthily, exercise frequently and smile often.

Any advice you would give to aspiring designers? Always persevere and do not let anything discourage you. If you feel down or have a mental block, go for a jog or do something different for the day. You'll soon be able to get right back into it without a worry. I am also learning how to promote my jewelry -– it is the only way to get the word out about your designs and generate more sales!

Where can people find your work? My Etsy store is http://www.bejewelledbespoke.etsy.com and I also update my blog regularly with other designs -- http://www.bejewelledbespoke.blogspot.com

Anything else? When I am not designing, I love snowboarding. If I am not dreaming of my next design, I am dreaming of my next trip to the snow.


We love all of the amazing independent designers out there and we wanted to find out more about what makes these creative types tick. If you do too, check out more of our Indie Designer Interviews.