Editor’s Note
**Editor’s Note:** This article explores how fashion jewelry redefines elegance for everyday wear, blending affordability with style. Featuring insights from Patric Hu of Hu Liang Li (Man Yick) Co., Ltd., it highlights the fusion of Italian craftsmanship and modern trends, making sophisticated accessories accessible to younger consumers.
In daily wear, jewelry can elevate the entire look. Fashion jewelry, also known as “costume jewelry,” breaks away from the perception of jewelry as precious and expensive, offering trendy designs that are accessible to general consumers.
Patric Hu, Executive Director of Hu Liang Li (Man Yick) Co., Ltd., stated that the brand’s jewelry combines century-old Italian craftsmanship with contemporary fashion trends, tailored for the younger generation.
While fashion jewelry is often thought to be made from less durable materials prone to breakage or tarnishing, Italian brand Forever K uses 18K gold wrapped over 925 sterling silver, crafted with traditional Italian techniques, making it an elegant accessory suitable for daily wear. Patric Hu explained in an interview:
The brand offers six series of accessories. The Amore series, inspired by Italian weaving art, symbolizes eternal love. The Eternal Weave bangle comes in five colors, adding elegance to the wearer. The Link series features playful buckle designs, such as T-bar necklaces and chain-link bracelets, adjustable in length or wearable separately for versatile styling. The Ball series draws inspiration from small gold balls on Christmas trees, with a crisp bell sound; its simple spherical design suits various outfits. The Diamond Cut series is the most sparkling, using Italian diamond-cutting techniques to carve crescent-shaped facets that shimmer like diamonds. The Knot series incorporates knot elements into accessories, with intertwined cords forming bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, symbolizing eternity and connection. Venice, known for its rich history and art, inspires the Venezia series, which features vibrant colors, gold-thread borders, lace motifs, and carved details. For example, the Tree of Life mother-of-pearl and zircon necklace, inspired by the rose window of St. Mark’s Basilica, combines white mother-of-pearl with pink-purple zircon to enhance the wearer’s charm.
Patric has worked in e-commerce and media in mainland China since 2006. Last year, he returned to Hong Kong to invest in creating the fashion jewelry brand “Forever K,” promoting it through an online-offline model to Shanghai, Hangzhou, Macau, Taiwan, and Hong Kong within a year, opening a new path for the century-old family jewelry business. Patric said:
Patric also advised that to make gold-filled jewelry last longer and fade less, each piece should be stored in a separate plastic bag to minimize friction and air exposure. Avoid spraying perfume directly on the jewelry; put it on after applying perfume. Do not wear it in hot springs or clean it in ultrasonic cleaners for extended durability.