Issue 54

The Founder of J.P. Cam Jewelry & Couture and Vice-Chairman of the Hong Kong International Jewelry Designer Association, Jens-Peter Cam is one of the judges at the Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand’s annual jewelry design competition. He shares his opinions on current trends and the future of the Asian gems and jewelry industry ahead of September’s 58th Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair.

What are you looking forward to in the Perfect Ten: Playful and Luxury Designs jewelry competition?
I’ve seen Thai [jewelry] designs, and I always like to see how people bring in their own culture. I’m really excited to see what these young designers come forward with on the theme of playfulness and luxury. Traditionally, Thailand has beautiful designs and craftsmanship, and I hope to see those influences in the competition.

Can you tell us about the work you do for the Hong Kong International Jewelry Designer Association?
Being in the business myself, I went through the development stage at the beginning and about how to deal with the commercial world, which for young designers is very difficult to understand. It’s good to give them hints and ideas about how they should approach the jewelry business. Moreover, we want to have a catalogue of suppliers so we can provide a reliable source for members, as in this industry so many things are based on trust. Currently, we have members from many Southeast Asian countries and also in China.

What is unique about the gems and jewelry industry in Asia?
In Europe and in the West you don’t see people wear a lot of diamond jewelry during the day, but in Asia women may wear diamonds worth millions of dollars to meet friends for lunch. For me, to see that is great. Asia is a good platform for the jewelry business.

Apart from Thailand, what are the other potential markets for the jewelry industry?
With two big fairs twice a year and the headquarters of international companies, Hong Kong is a good market. Japan is also good because the Japanese love design. Now, China is becoming very sophisticated and their young people are always looking for new designs, especially foreign ones.

Do you have any tips for those starting out in the gems and jewelry industry?
If you can begin in your home country that’s great because it’s your own language and culture, and you can see the response to your jewelry designs. Most importantly, you have to be true to yourself because what you sell is your design. Whatever comes from your heart will succeed or has the chance to succeed. Also, you can be creative and be true to yourself but you need a sense of what is sellable. And create something people can buy and wear.

What do you think is the key current trend in the jewelry industry?
In the past people would buys jewelry sets, but now they’re looking for something they can wear during the day. I think in the current market we are trying to make nice jewelry that looks expensive, but is affordable. You can have semi-precious stones that create a nice design, and then sell the design.

Words by Nattamon Limthanchai