Alumni Industry Series｜Kathy Tse (IBBA 2003): The emotional connection with high jewellery

One of Shakespeare’s famous quotes is, “Dumb jewels often in their silent kind more than quick words do move a woman’s mind.” With years of dedication to the high jewellery industry, Kathy Tse (IBBA 2003), retail director at Van Cleef & Arpels, believes that the true charm of jewellery lies in the emotional connections and the meaning it carries. Having witnessed the pandemic’s impact on the industry, she is focused on transforming local clientele into “brand enthusiasts” by offering them a variety of bespoke experiences.

Every woman has a love for beauty, and Kathy is no exception. Her family took her to get her ears pierced when she was in kindergarten. “Wearing drop earrings became my signature look when I was at university!” However, it was not until after graduation that she truly discovered the world of gems and jewellery, when an opportunity led her to work for a jewellery manufacturer. “The company primarily focused on exports, and every two months, I would fly around the world to attend jewellery shows. That’s when I began meeting retailers, designers, and craftsmen in the industry – it was not only an eye-opening experience but also sparked my passion for high jewellery. Later, I bought my very first pair of jewellery earrings through the company, and they hold a special meaning for me.”

With two decades of experience in the industry, Kathy has transformed from an outsider into an expert, witnessing firsthand the industry’s ups and downs. ‘“The pandemic marked a major turning point. Prior to COVID, our main clientele consisted of tourists, but once the pandemic struck, we were left with only local customers. This forced the entire industry to realise that in order to sustain long-term growth, we needed to foster local loyalty. Along with building strong relationships, we offer exclusive experiences, such as organising private visits to our headquarters for jewellery exhibitions, where clients can view our latest collections in person. As with all luxury products, luxury is in each detail!”

Kathy believes that the true allure of jewellery transcends its value, lying in the emotional connections and meaning it holds.

High jewellery is an art in itself, and transforming gemstones from their raw form into jewellery requires the perfect blend of timing, opportunity, and expertise. “Sometimes designers have a concept, but are waiting for the right gem to come along; other times, our company may purchase a raw stone and hold onto it until, ten years later, we finally figure out how to craft it,” Kathy explains.

Kathy believes that the true allure of jewellery transcends its value, lying in the emotional connections and meaning it holds. For example, on the day of the interview, she was wearing a Vintage Alhambra, four-leaf clover motif, white mother-of-pearl long necklace, with the designer’s message: “To be lucky, you must believe in luck”. This philosophy has guided her to navigate the twists and turns of life. When asked about how to choose high jewellery, Kathy advises following your instincts and, more importantly, infusing the piece with personal meaning – whether it is a token to mark a wedding anniversary or a gift to yourself after overcoming a significant challenge. “This allows our clients to reflect on the stories behind their collections every time they look back at them.”

The classmates Kathy (first from right) met during the orientation camp have since become her closest friends. (Photo provided by the interviewee)

Kathy’s emotional bonds are not limited to jewellery; she also has a deep connection with CUHK Business School and the classmates she met there. The friendships she forged during the university orientation camp have since become some of her closest and most treasured. Her time during her studies not only honed her public speaking, communication, and organisational skills, but also helped her understand the true essence of learning. “One class in particular stands out in my memory. The professor asked each student to teach the class a new word every session. Some of those words stayed with us long after the semester ended, while others faded away. The lesson was clear: learning is not solely the responsibility of the professors; we must also actively engage in it ourselves.”

To give back, Kathy has been involving in the undergraduate mentorship programme since 2018, and over the years, she has mentored more than ten students. “They come from all over the world. The relationship is mutual – it’s not just about me sharing my knowledge; I’ve learned so much from them, especially when it comes to understanding the perspectives of today’s younger generation.” At least five of her mentees have stayed in touch after the programme, with the bonds of mentorship blossoming into lasting friendships.

To give back to her alma mater, Kathy has been actively participating in the undergraduate mentorship programme, sharing her insights and experiences with students. (Photos provided by the interviewee)

Fun fact: Emeralds from different regions

When selecting an emerald, customers often consider its place of origin, with Colombia being one of the most renowned. Kathy explains that, unlike other gems and diamonds, which are valued for their clarity, Colombian emeralds are prized for their inclusions – the intricate materials within the cracks are so complex that they have earned the nickname “Secret Garden.”

However, Colombian emeralds are no longer in production. Meanwhile, emeralds from Zambia and Brazil have seen increased output and have become the global majority.

CUHK Business School alumni are everywhere, transcending geographical and industrial boundaries. To explore more inspiring alumni stories, please click HERE.