We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Faith Hilda Quek about their original and creative Inspirational Jewellery design work. Faith Hilda Quek is an award-winning fashion designer, that makes our world a better place with their original inspirational jewellery works.
Faith Hilda Quek ("FHQ") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Freedom Collection Inspirational Jewellery. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
FHQ : To celebrate self-love and Freedom Heartened by the personal story of a client who found her courage and inner strength as a single mother to her two beloved sons, FI was commissioned to create for her the original “Freedom” ring to celebrate her newfound freedom. Dressed in gorgeous rose gold, subtle curves portray the gentle spirit of a woman while the broad facet reflect her generous and giving heart. The trilogy of diamonds represent each gem of a child whom she loves dearly, close to her heart & a reminder of self love.
FHQ : Comfort in a bold statement piece of jewellery has been the main focus. This ring tells a story, her story and it catches attention in a beauty subtle way as light bounces off the highly reflective concave yet extremely organic curves in the ring, accented by the perfect positioning of each diamond. It sits boldly on the finger, and comfort is extremely important to achieve for the wearer as an everyday piece, to take wear and tear from daily life. I want to a achieve a ring that shines and gives back to the client in every way she dreamed the ring of great strength & symbolism to be.
FHQ : To continue to share with women (and men) around the world the voice of Freedom through this design and raise awareness within each community about discussing domestic violence and abuse, and reaching out to those in need through charity organisations wherenthe proceeds from the sale of the collection pieces goes to providing emergency safe shelter homes for women and children in need.
FHQ : Three Months: from the first text message of the special commission request to create a ring that symbolises a client's new found freedom, closely followed by the first free-hand jewellery sketches over a coffee date, to the the final completed jewel of a ring.
FHQ : The original Freedom ring commissioned by my client will not be remade again, it is a one off, one of a kind and a promise that she has the only original jewel. The now main Freedom ring is further inspired by her strength and theme and adjusted for more comfort and pleasing aesthetic with diamonds all at the top section of the main ring (differing to the original client's ring).
FHQ : Produce all the work myself
FHQ : The deep and core meaning of self love inspired me and creating a bold piece of jewel as a true work of art resonates deeply with me.
FHQ : Women (and men) from their 30s to 60s who celebrate their life journeys, and have found or are looking for their life meaning, direction and inspiration.
FHQ : Freedom Ring - originally named by a private client to remind her of her newfound freedom. Created for the one who dares to dream, to pursue the different, to embrace the individuality and to appreciate the beauty in all of life's imperfections. The Freedom Collection celebrates YOU.
FHQ : First moulded and carved out of wax, the original model is adjusted painstakingly for the best comfort on the hand, being a wide, strong ring. Tailor made to fit most comfortable and effortlessly gliding on and staying on the finger, the ring is design to match and flow with any outfit and personal style, yet making a strong statement and in a bold yet quiet way.
FHQ : Stripping away complexity and distilling design to a clean aesthetic of sweeping concave curves in a ring, this custom made ring is crafted to fit perfectly on the finger of a client, both inside the ring and externally. The Freedom ring catches light and returns its brilliance with the strategic placement of each diamond.
FHQ : The ring speaks of strength, courage and freedom that is priceless and truly free and within our own reach. A launch of the collection saw the Freedom Collection sell out and bring greater awareness to the community, with a percentage of the profits going towards Safesteps, a charity organisation in Victoria, Australia, that supports and provides 24 hour emergency shelter homes from women and children experiencing domestic abuse. A charity otherwise unknown and less heard of. Sharing the word the giving back is also sharing hope and building up women and the community, all starting from a brave mother who stepped up to speak for the many unspoken. My dream is to share this collection and its inspiring message to as many in each country we showcase the jewels in.
FHQ : Originally trained as an architect before turning to a bespoke fine jewellery designer for over 15 years, I have strong experiences of creating mostly intricate and detailed, art deco inspired designs. The creative journey to further expand from the Freedom ring, into a full collection of the Freedom designs, distilling core design basics down to strong lines and simplicity is a personal journey on its own. Back to basics and a reverse engineering process where the collection is created and then presented to the public, is a feeling of being completely open and exposed and making a stand for what she believes in, faith in hope, love and freedom. Compared to just designing for one unique private client, tailored made. Creating for a cause is the most powerful emotion to share and the amazing ripple effect has been worth every challenge and obstacle that presented. It was truly heartening to see the design and collection so passionately embraced on every level especially resonating in women of all ages and all stages of their lives.
FHQ : Introvert by nature and hesitant to publicity, I was finally inspired by dedicated clients who have over the last decade beckoned me to enter a competition and showcase my work & talent in interpreting emotion and dreams, turning them into the reality of jewellery for each unique client, I decided gave the competition a go. My hope that this sharing of Freedom can start even the smallest ripple effect of sharing hope and faith with everyone it meets.
FHQ : I discovered that true inspiration comes from within, from the depths of our soul. We just only have to look in ourselves and discover the gift of love is already there to share with the world. I have come to admire that the beauty of self love is one of the greatest love in the world.
