Wallace Chan TEFAF New York Fair Masterpieces Preview:

October 14, 2016

By Smitha Sadanandan

4 min read

Established in 1988, TEFAF (The European Fine Art Foundation) has, over the last 30 years, added to its fold of art and antiques diverse creative realms such as art, design, photography and haute joaillerie. In addition to its annual March fair at Maastricht (Netherlands), TEFAF brings its fairs to New York from 21-26 October, where it will throw open its doors to 93 select art organisations and their masterpieces. Having made his debut at Maastricht earlier this year, jeweller, artist and innovator Wallace Chan is gearing up to wow visitors and discerning buyers with 40 unique jewellery creations and a large titanium gemstone sculpture, Rise of Heart.

The first Asian artist to be part of the TEFAF show, Wallace Chan brings with him fine examples of work that exemplify his patented jadeite thinning and luminosity enhancing technology, along with his revolutionary methods of setting gemstones without prongs. His unbridled imagination draws upon Chinese legends and ancient stories, which he then translates into tangible masterpieces. Bold designs in vibrant colours, whimsy in gemstones, wearable sculptures, magical forms and three-dimensional engravings – all bear testimony to Chan’s innate skill, artistry and craftsmanship. Here are a few of Chan’s jaw-dropping works that you need to look out for at TEFAF New York:

Cicada brooch

Crafted using Imperial Jadeite, the ruby-eyed cicada’s body features wafer-thin wings as it holds a luxurious oval green jade complemented with lavender jade and coloured diamonds. The jade beads are embedded with the aid of the tenon-and-mortise technique. Embodying a 5,000 year-old Chinese story, this design celebrates the little insect that inspired ancient poets and scholars, and went on to become a much-loved metaphor in Chinese art and literature. The bamboo sculpture – crafted in crystal, adorned with colourless and yellow diamonds, pink sapphires as well as tsavorite garnets features leaves that bear carved ‘cicada patterns’ evocative of patterns found on bronze vessels during the Shang dynasty.

Wallace Chan Cicada brooch

Wallace Chan Cicada brooch

Apsara brooch

The apsara’s (celestial maiden) body is sculpted in titanium and sprinkled with gemstones. In her hand, the ethereal maiden holds a heavenly gift, a luscious yellow diamond hemmed by four emeralds, while a pink diamond sits daintily on her topknot. Swirling and cascading drapes and ribbons are adorned with pink, yellow, white and green diamonds, while carved crystals set on top of some parts of the diamond echo the water motif carved on the apsara’s body.

Wallace Chan Apsara Brooch

Wallace Chan Apsara Brooch

Damask Silk necklace

DIF diamonds, pink tourmalines and white agate unify to form the damask silk. To add to the lightness, titanium is woven like a web to ensure the necklace curves around the neck and the joints are skilfully hidden to make is flawless and supple. The shimmer of the diamonds and texture of white agate is offset against the lovely pink of the tourmalines, as colour and geometric forms play on the backside of this beautiful necklace.

Wallace Chan Damask Silk Necklace

Wallace Chan Damask Silk Necklace

Night of Violet ring

This masterpiece has a 116.2-carat amethyst skillfully set without any prongs in its mount. It seems to float in purple radiance, as contrasting yellow diamonds embrace and accentuate the beauty of the amethyst. Pave-set diamonds in the form of two triangles beneath the amethysts on the side add abstract glamour to the ring.

Wallace Chan Night Of Violet ring

Wallace Chan Night Of Violet ring

Tale of Two Dragons brooch

Chan halved the white jade dragon belt hook from the Qianlong period (1736-1795) and doubled its parts. The two dragons, father and son, in the brooch were then realised in titanium and highlighted with gemstones.

Wallace Chan Tale of Two Dragons brooch

Wallace Chan Tale of Two Dragons brooch

Rise of Heart sculpture

The flitting butterflies amidst an exquisite swirl of petals echo the charm and beauty of spring. This 2.2-metre tall peony is sculpted in titanium. A handful of rubies, citrines and amethysts make up the pistil, as happy butterflies dance around the bright blossom. A symbol of love, affection and a sign of spring, the Rise of Heart is a symbol of Chinese culture, while also being an ode to Chan’s vivid imagination.

Wallace Chan Rise of Heart Sculpture

Wallace Chan Rise of Heart Sculpture

Elegance and Luxury – Art Deco at the Kremlin:

continue reading

Fabulous Futures: Le Vian Unveils its 2026 Jewellery Trends in Las Vegas

Here's a rundown of what was included this year…

by Sarah Jordan

Exceptional Splendour: Jaipur Gems Celebrates 50 Years with Abu Dhabi Opening and New High Jewels 

Let me take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the new Abu Dhabi boutique and share some of my sparkling highlights

by Katerina Perez

Radiating Confidence: The Mother-Daughter Energy Behind Growing Brand Aponine

As one of this year’s Couture show debutants, Turkish brand Aponine impressed me with its blend of colourful creativity, timeless elegance, and stylish femininity. Let’s take a closer look…

by Katerina Perez

Sensual Silhouettes: Jewels with Curves in All the Right Places

Is it getting hot in here, or is it just us? As jewellers swap sharp lines for shapely swirls, we look at new collections that are embracing the raw power of sensuality inspired by the female form

by Rachael Taylor

Artistic Realms: The Enchanting Natural World of Histoire D’Elle

I had the pleasure of speaking with Pascale Van Maele, the Brand Manager of Histoire d'Elle, which celebrates the deep-rooted connection between quiet femininity, elegance and natural forms. Let's explore together…

by Sarah Jordan

Spinel Stories: Celebrating the Special Allure of Spinels with the House of Gübelin 

I visited the Geneva boutique of the family-owned business to indulge my passion for this overlooked gemstone and explore some of its beautiful creations…

by Katerina Perez

Golden Hour: Cosmic Creations in the Chanel Reach for the Stars High Jewellery Collection

The Reach for the Stars collection bounces between cosmic constellations of diamonds, elaborate, almost mythological neckwear, and starbursts of coloured stones, all with the Maison’s Parisian flair

by Sarah Jordan

Ultimate Guide to Promise Rings: What They Mean, How to Wear One and Where to Buy

While the promise ring's meaning has evolved, its emotional weight remains, making it especially popular among Gen Z and millennial couples seeking the perfect, personal pre-engagement jewel

by Claire Roberts

Exquisite Escapes: The Idyllic Inspirations Behind the Diorexquis High Jewellery Collection

In early May 2025, Dior Joaillerie's Artistic Director Victoire de Castellane showcased an unprecedented high jewellery collection, Diorexquis, to more than 300 VIPs at the Château de la Colle Noire in the heart of Provence. Let's take a closer look…

by Katerina Perez

Millionaire Products: Celebrating the No-Expense-Spared Bvlgari Polychroma High Jewellery Collection

Bvlgari is opening a magnificent new chapter in the world of high jewellery, and high jewellery watches with the Polychroma collection. Here's what I have discovered so far…

by Katerina Perez

Sea of Wonder: Celebrating the Ocean’s Endless Bounty with the Tiffany & Co. Blue Book 2025

Here are some of the creations that became an integral part of the Tiffany & Co. underwater world, including starfish, crashing waves and sea turtles…

by Katerina Perez

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Epic Evolution:Miseno Launches the Arco Collection to Celebrate a Fabulous Decade

I am pleased to present to you my highlights of the new Arco High Jewellery collection, which was formally showcased to the jewellery world at Couture from June 4-8, 2025

by Katerina Perez

Jewels Katerina Perez Loves

Continue Reading

In Conversation:Discussing Paraiba - The Legacy of a Color

with Vogue Singapore

by Katerina Perez

Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox

Style Guide

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.