Editor’s Note
This profile traces the journey of Hsu Jen-Wei, who leveraged a family background in jewelry and a finance degree to build a career in the auction world, starting with foundational cataloging and client service roles.
Hsu Jen-Wei comes from a family deeply rooted in the jewelry business, with his parents running a retail operation. Growing up surrounded by dazzling diamonds and gemstones, he developed a natural affinity for the world of jewels. After graduating with a degree in finance, he chose to return to his passion and joined the jewelry department of an auction house in 2014. He started from the ground up, working on cataloging, photography, condition reports, and client services, laying a solid foundation for his future auction career.
Hsu moved from Taipei to Hong Kong in 2016, drawn by its status as Asia’s jewelry trading hub. The free port offered greater access to the world’s finest gemstones and diamonds. The annual Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, the world’s largest of its kind, brings together experts and buyers from across the globe. This international platform provided Hsu with the invaluable opportunities for growth he had been seeking.
The Autumn 2019 auction marked Hsu’s first season with Christie’s Asia Pacific Jewelry Department. As the leading Asian jewelry auction house for three decades, Christie’s reputation for high standards was well-known to him.
The cover lot for that season was a necklace named “A Match Made in Heaven,” featuring jadeite beads and spinels. Hsu successfully bid on it for a long-time client at over HKD 73 million.
.jpg?mode=max)
In the jewelry auction business, “trust” is a word Hsu frequently emphasizes. Whether compiling catalogs, photographing items, or planning exhibitions and auctions, acting with integrity and honoring client commitments are his most important principles. This is the cornerstone upon which Christie’s jewelry team has built decades of valuable client trust, enabling the house to continually set world auction records for magnificent colored gemstones and diamonds.
Discussing the differences between the Asia Pacific and international jewelry markets, Hsu notes that Asia Pacific buyers currently favor modern jewelry, while European and American collectors show greater interest in antique pieces. This is linked to the history of jewelry collecting in each region.
Indeed, branded antique jewelry, enriched by historical and cultural significance and prized for its rarity, is highly sought after by seasoned collectors at auction. This is facilitated by auction houses’ powerful client networks, which can source long-discontinued or exceptionally rare pieces for the sale—many of which are unique opportunities. This is part of Hong Kong’s allure as a trading center, where the market holds infinite potential for both antique and modern jewelry, colored gemstones, and jadeite, offering experts the best way to expand their professional knowledge.
In a world of dazzling and diverse jewels, what type does an expert with over a decade of experience favor most?
Today, many world-famous gemstone mines are depleted, making top-quality colored gems even rarer.
For young people aspiring to join the jewelry industry, Hsu believes there are no shortcuts to learning.
For new jewelry collectors, the best place to hone one’s eye and quickly gain experience is the auction preview.
All lots in Christie’s jewelry auctions come with certificates from internationally recognized laboratories, so new buyers need not worry.
Hsu’s genuine passion for jewelry extends beyond business management to a persistent pursuit of beauty. This sincerity blurs the line between work and life in a fulfilling way. With his deep understanding and enthusiasm for jewelry, he continually seeks the beginning of the next shining story for these radiant beauties.