DEBBIE KUO

Established 81 years ago under a different name, the South China Botanical Garden is among China's most significant public gardens. The institution has won several awards relating to its extensive research on plant resources, biotechnology, and ecology. China is also the ancestral home of featured jewelry designer Debbie Kuo.

Careful consideration to arrangement of materials is central to Kuo's designs. Her attention to detail renders jewelry that is classic, and sophisticated with sweeping, exotic elegance.

An alumna of New York's Fashion Institute of Technology, as well as former employee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Kuo brings the grandeur of East Indian sculptures, Italian and Byzantine gemstones, and Chinese paintings to her line Kuo Ting Jewelry.

Fashioned from various combinations of sterling silver and 14-karat gold-filled chains, freshwater pearls, sapphire roundels, pink chalcedony, gray agate, multi-colored resin, and "distinctive vintage pieces", items like her India Gold Necklace and Chinese Pagoda Earrings possess a feminine delicacy with striking color and sensual textures. Overall, it is minimalistic jewelry with balanced proportions; visually striking without being elaborate.

Kuo's stunning jewelry has been featured in the editorial layouts of Lucky, and Martha Stewart Weddings magazines. Actor Finola Hughes has draped her wrists, earlobes, and décolleté with various pieces from Kuo's line while hosting the Style Network show How Do I Look?

Kuo's stylish--and affordable--trinkets of exotica are distributed through boutiques in L.A., Chicago, and New York, as well as online at CoutureCandy.com.
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Photo 1 (top right): Openwork Gold Vermeil Bead Chinese Pagoda Earrings with Pink and Green Tourmaline Drops
Photo 2 (bottom left): Gold Vermeil India Gold Pendant with Garnet Cluster on 14-Karat Gold-Filled Chain