Giving jewelry a new sparkle

Aster Ma's collections are influenced by nature, drawing inspiration from flowers and animals. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Chinese jewelry houses are not known for exquisite designs, but that is probably about to change as a new generation of well-informed young designers burst onto the scene.

Aster Ma, who comes from a jeweler's family, is one of them.

Her creations have been worn by the likes of US burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese and Joy Chen, the former deputy mayor of Los Angeles.

Ma, 33, who was born in Beijing and trained in London, is a name that is known among well-connected neo-rich Chinese, a group that prefers customized jewelry.

Ma's collections highlight not only the most precious materials, which are emphasized in traditional Chinese jewelry, but also speak to contemporary designs and exquisite craftsmanship.

Her collections are heavily influenced by nature, drawing inspiration from flowers and animals.