One of her most representative designs is a silver and gold-plated ring entitled "Who's wearing the ring?" that features a tiny human figure supporting the wearer. The designer explained that the ring is not only decorative but also supportive. "[It was created] to give the wearer a sense of hope and a feeling that someone is there to support him or her at all times," she said.

Asia's Fashion Jewellery and Accessories Review talked to this talented designer about her aspirations and the designs that set out to inspire both the wearer and the viewer.

Q: Tell me a little about your background - what did you study and what path led you to what you are doing now?

A:I received a BA degree in arts and crafts in Seoul, where I explored different areas including ceramic, textiles, silversmithing and lacquer. I became more interested in silversmithing techniques and wanted to do small-scale design. That led me to study jewellery design at the Royal College of Art in London.

Q: How would you describe your artistic style? How has this style developed over time?

A: I tend to focus on building communication between the artwork and the wearer by using human figures and/or paradoxical ideas in many ways. Most of my works address everyday life and witty ideas which can be clearly and strongly understood by the wearer.

Q: Where do you mainly draw inspiration from? Which designers, artists or creative people do you look up to or are you inspired by?

A:Paradox. I think paradox is very fascinating because it can attract people and make them think twice. I want to address everyday life with the idea of paradox in concept as well as function. Basically all my work is about delivering messages, and I try to figure out how people think and relate that to my work. This has brought me many new ideas.

In terms of fashion, I do not have any favourite brands. But I do have many favourite designers and artists, particularly in the field of sculpture. I always want to see how they communicate with people. That helps me establish my own ideas about communication, relationships and other concepts in my work.

Q:What are you most proud of professionally?Which are your own best/favourite designs so far?

A: "Who's wearing the ring?" is my favourite. It says a lot about my work in a very quick and strong way. ‘Paradox' is just there. A man is wearing a ring, but at the same time a tiny human figure holds the man's fist. Then we need to think about who is really wearing the ring.

Q: What is the price range of your products?

A:The price range is quite wide – from £15 to £2,000 (US$21.67 to US$2,889.1).

Q: What are your brand's major sales channels and who are your target customers?

A: Galleries exhibiting my work, and personal network. Craft fairs, like Origin in London, are good channels too. I try not to target particular customer groups in my work, because I believe everyone can enjoy my pieces, regardless of age.

Q: What plans do you have to expand your business?

A: I intend to sell more of my work through galleries. As a young designer, it is very important to let people know me and my work better. I think this is a good way. At the same time, I am going to exhibit more pieces on my website.

Q: Are you going to expand your reach to the Asian market this year? What are your views about the fashion jewellery market in Asia compared with Europe and the US?

A:Yes, I am starting to promote myself and my work through galleries in Korea and Japan. To me, the Asian market seems to be less tolerant. Trends have greater power in Asia than in Europe, which makes it difficult for artistic design to succeed in the market.

Q: Can you tell us about your latest collection? What are the key themes and key designs?

A: Right now I am becoming interested in using plastic in my work. The idea of paradox continues though. My latest collection is called ‘Cactus.' They are all hand-made out of plastic. Sometimes I combine it with other materials. For me, the cactus is an icon of paradox in itself. Some of them are made in a ring shape. At first glance it looks like a ring, but its function is actually that of a brooch or necklace. It is also paradoxical in terms of function.

Source: Asia's Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Review