JCK Show Must-See: Austy Lee

By Brittany Siminitz | May 30, 2025

You don’t have to be a jewelry insider, or even know much about jewelry, to see that Austy Lee is special. The Hong Kong–based designer—whose eponymous brand will exhibit at the JCK show for the first time this year—has a knack for creating jaw-dropping pieces, some of which will no doubt be running across the feeds of anyone tuning in to the goings-on from Las Vegas.

Lee’s brand is young—founded less than a decade ago, in 2017—but he has honed a distinctive style. He worked in graphic design and product design before moving into jewelry as a trainee of Hong Kong high jeweler Adler. Several years and awards later, Lee became the chief designer at Wendy Yue, a brand known for its highly detailed and artful designs.

And now we find ourselves privileged to experience the work of Austy Lee all on his own, with its worldly influences and gemstones that tell a story of a very inspired creator.

Austy Lee Meiji necklace — Meiji necklace in 18k yellow gold with antique shakudō netsuke, antique Japanese lacquerware, Hawaiian golden coral, tanzanite, Colombian emerald, rutile cat’s eye, Zambian emeralds, black enamel, and diamonds

The team here at JCK are fans—Amy Elliott covered Lee’s collaboration with Annoushka Ducas back in 2020, citing “structurally complex executions” and “psychedelic color stories” as Lee’s strengths that defined the collection.

Five years later, Lee continues to evolve, and you can count on his brand being a buzzworthy point of the JCK show. Find it in the Design Collective neighborhood, booth #13033.

Austy Lee Tsuruhime Sen no Odori brooch — Tsuruhime Sen no Odori brooch in 18k rose gold with antique Meiji lacquerware hairpin, rubies, black enamel, abalone shell, mother-of-pearl, onyx, fancy pink diamonds, black diamonds, and white diamonds

We had a few questions for the designer before we jet off to Vegas and admire his epic creations in person.

You‘re exhibiting at JCK for the first time—what made you decide to attend, and what are your goals with the show?

There has been a growing number of clients from the U.S. market. We have established connections with them online through platforms like Instagram and 1st Dibs, and many have expressed a desire to view my jewelry collections in person.

We participated in international jewelry shows in Hong Kong and Europe, and I believe this is the perfect time to showcase my work in the U.S. market. JCK is one of the largest jewelry shows in the country, making it an ideal venue for introducing my collections while exploring diverse clientele in the U.S.

Austy Lee Mercury ring — *Mercury ring in 18k white gold with Santa Maria aquamarine, blue enamel, and diamonds*

Can you preview some new pieces for us?

In this exhibition, I will showcase several new designs from the existing collection. Additionally, we will launch a brand-new design in the U.S. that combines a matte white ceramic-like electroplating technique with polished metals, creating a new trend in 18k gold jewelry.

In the second half of the year, we will introduce two new collections. While I cannot disclose specific details at this time, I believe everyone, including myself, will be very much looking forward to it. One of the new pieces is the White Noice Phenomena brooch [pictured at top], from the Fugitivus Geometriae collection, made of 18k rose gold with Australian semi-black opals, white carved jasper, white enamel, and diamonds.

Austy Lee pink orchid brooch — *Pink Orchid brooch in 18k rose gold with fancy yellow diamonds and white diamonds*

How has your design style changed or evolved since your 2020 collaboration with Annoushka?

Collaborating with Annoushka was a great experience and achievement. My style seeks to blend psychedelic influences with new concepts and technologies. I will continue to experiment with different materials and themes, hoping to find new directions as a designer of the new generation. I aim to keep improving and embracing new knowledge, looking for breakthroughs not only in the jewelry field but also in cultural heritage. My style is no longer limited to traditional deco style; I’ve also explored various avant-garde designs aimed at a younger audience. My patterns are bold and psychedelic, and now the details exhibit influences from Japanese ukiyo-e and animations, telling unique stories.

Austy Lee Vogue motif brooch — *Vogue Motif brooch in 18k rose gold with Burmese green jade, Australian black opals, Colombian emeralds, pink and purple sapphires, apatite, and fancy color and white diamonds*

What are you most looking forward to at JCK—and in Vegas, off the show floor?

I am very much looking forward to the various international conferences and
discussion sessions at the exhibition, where I can connect with more American
designers and engage in exchanging ideas. I have previously attended JCK and hope to reunite with old friends. I also don’t want to miss the opportunity to revisit the Grand Canyon.

Top: White Noice Phenomena brooch in 18k rose gold with Australian semi black opals, carved white jasper, white enamel, and diamonds, price on request; Austy Lee