Aster Ma's haute jewelry customization boasts the finest craftsmanship and the most creative design. Photo: Courtesy of Aster Ma

Aster Ma, the founder of ASTER MA, a haute jewelry customization brand, grew up in Beijing as a second generation jeweler. Ma attended University of the Arts London majoring in haute jewelry design in 2000, where she gained rich experience in design inspiration and creation. Returning back to Beijing in 2009, she established ASTER MA. Choosing the rarest jewels of the highest quality, she created a range of masterpieces utilizing spiritual designs with rich connotations and the finest craftsmanship. Recently Ma sat down with Global Times (GT) and shared her personal experience and aesthetic conceptions.

GT: As an oriental designer, how do you present oriental elements in your designs?

Ma: Like most people, I went through a period of adolescent rebellion when I was fond of presenting ideas and elements running counter to traditional thinking. However one day, I realized that my oriental genes are deeply rooted in me, and provide a great spring of aesthetic inspiration. Even when I tried to deny them, I was unconsciously integrating oriental elements into my designs.

GT: How did your study abroad affect your designs?

Ma: I believe that everything happens for a reason. Some people enjoy the strong oriental features of ASTER MA jewelry designs, while others pick up on some of the finer details inspired by Western elements. Actually, my jewelry designs focus more on spontaneous outpouring of emotions, without it ever being a conscious decision on my part. Perhaps that seems inconceivable, but having lived in China for more than ten years since my childhood, then in Britain for about ten years, I think there is something infused in my blood that comes out in my designs.

GT: Are there any changes in Chinese jewelry consumers' behavioral habits?

Ma: Many Chinese consumers have gained a greater understanding about what they want from jewelry over the years. They have realized no matter how expensive a piece of jewelry is, its basic function does not change, which is to be worn by people. And they know that truly gorgeous things become more precious as time goes on, and will never be outdated. As a result, customers are no longer just in pursuit of the lowest prices. The more they know about jewelry, the better they will be able to appraise the value of each piece, recognizing its rarity, the sophistication of its craftsmanship, and the concept behind its design.

GT: What is your expectation for the Chinese haute jewelry customization market?

Ma: Haute jewelry customization is a fairly niche market both in China and abroad. Chinese consumers are gaining an increasing understanding and appreciation of its worth. I believe that the stage is set for even greater development of the Chinese haute jewelry customization market in the days to come.