Sarah Ho

• You’ve had a fascinating journey from growing up in Hong Kong and Macau to becoming an award-winning jewellery designer in London. How have your multicultural experiences influenced your design style and approach to jewellery making?

My culture is very much entwined in my inspiration and designs. Growing up in HK and Macau, I can say that a lot of the Asian culture and traditions were embedded into my upbringing. For example, the power of numbers is extremely important in Asia. My family would have a Feng Shui Master to pick dates for all our important events. For my grandfather, his lucky number was 9 as he was the 9th child amongst his 13 siblings so everything from number plates to phone numbers all included the number 9. The same goes for my grandmother with the number 8.

This strong family tradition then became the inspiration for my award-winning and hugely popular Numerati Collection.   This is a collection of 18ct gold rings set with different fancy shape diamonds where the numbers from 1 – 9 are only visible on display and then become hidden when worn.   It has become the most loved collection for our clients as everyone has a lucky number or numbers that are special to them and to have a hidden secret adds a certain mystery too.

• You are known for creating bold and colourful jewellery pieces. What inspires you when designing these pieces, and how do you decide on the gemstone combinations and settings for each piece?

Before turning to jewellery, I studied fashion design in London, working for several fashion brands and magazines. This experience really influenced my style as a jewellery designer and I always tell my clients that I design in a different way to a traditional jewellery designer – I design with more of a fashion aesthetic.

I love embroidery, beading and fabric patterns and all these elements have inspired my work through innovative manufacturing techniques and application of gemstones. I also enjoy mixing unusual colour palettes and this is something I love the most.   Colour plays a big part in my life, not only in my work but in my home as well.

• Can you discuss some of your most memorable and challenging jewellery design projects? What did you learn from these experiences?

I have been very lucky to have the experience of working on some amazing projects during my career. For example, Swarovski Runway Rock where I created a crystal-encrusted hat piece and cape that toured around Europe, China and Russia. This was quite early on in my career and to be sharing a catwalk with the likes of Jean-Paul Gaultier and Christopher Kane was a real honour. I still remember how sore my fingers were from sewing the crystals day and night running up to the tour.

Another memorable moment was creating my first-ever Masterpiece after the birth of my first child. It was a pair of platinum and rose gold earrings in the form of the Bird of Paradise set with diamonds and conch pearls. This was also my first venture into using natural pearls which have become one of my most loved gemstones and  I now have a large collection of natural pearls which have become a passion of mine.   This piece was a significant milestone in my career as we now launch several high jewellery pieces each year. Most importantly, the shape from the body of the bird in the earrings has become the logo of our brand. This iconic shape now runs through most of our designs.

• What are your future plans for your jewellery design business? Are there any upcoming collections or projects that you are excited to share?

We have exciting projects and new collections in the pipeline. In the last couple of years, we have focused our business more sustainably by repurposing and up-cycling antique jewellery.  In 2024 we will have many new pieces that incorporate these beautiful gemstones with innovative alloys and new manufacturing techniques. We are very proud of this repurposing concept, so it not only runs through our own jewellery collections but in bespoke pieces we design for our clients.  It will continue to run through the veins of our brand.

We recently revamped our London Mayfair showroom working in partnership with British fashion designer, Lisa Redman.  We gave our showroom furniture a makeover by embellishing the chairs and sofa with vintage crystals that we collected from antique markets. The final results were more beautiful than we could ever have imagined and it was great fun sourcing the beads and crystals from antique chandeliers to costume jewels. Full story and images will be coming soon.

We have a truly international clientele, in particular the Middle East where our presence is growing and our clients there are always looking for new designs. We plan to expand our presence in the USA and Europe too where our pieces appeal to those in sunnier climes.

• Outside of your work as a jewellery designer, what do you like to do in your free time? Do you have any hobbies or interests that you enjoy pursuing?

When I am designing a collection or a bespoke piece for a client, I spend quite a lot of time indoors as I need to stay with the designs while they are developing …  but as soon as I have some free time, I want to be outdoors with nature. Whether it’s a training session, a hike or a swim, I enjoy the fresh air and feeling the sunshine on my skin.

Since moving to Monaco 3 years ago, I am grateful for having the luxury of living by the sea. I love how the calming tranquil atmosphere is energizing,  recharging my batteries and washing all my worries away. There is a special spot near my house which looks out onto the sea. I often refer to it as my anchor as it’s a place I go to clear my mind, spending time to reflect on recent life events and practicing some meditation. It not only grounds me as a person but also opens me up for new inspiration and ideas as well.

• How do you think the jewellery industry has evolved in recent years, and what do you see as the future of the industry?

I feel that jewellery buyers have become more experimental with their jewellery choices from semi-precious gemstones in fine jewellery to exploring new alloys and innovative jewellery techniques.

Another aspect I feel has shaped the jewellery industry in recent years is sustainability. The buyers are more aware of where the raw materials come from, from lab-grown diamonds to traceable gemstone mines and recycled precious metals. Like all other industries, it is a hot topic and I believe it is every brand’s responsibility to do whatever they can to deliver in their unique way.

• Where do you see yourself and your career in 30 years?

Sarah Ho, known as the ‘Queen of Revamp’ and to be recognized as an important Jewellery House that focuses on sustainability through its unique way of repurposing antiques and transforming them into new vibrant contemporary jewellery pieces.  We will have retail outlets and showrooms in key international cities showcasing our brand’s aesthetics and everything inside that has been either revamped, repurposed or up-cycled.

I very much hope Sarah Ho will become a family-run business where I will work closely with my children (and grandchildren) and eventually for them to take over and lead the brand into the next generation. My daughter is an amazing artist so designing with her when she is older would be a dream come true. I would love to see my legacy carried on by my family where they will take the brand to new heights.

On a personal level, I see myself living in my beautiful home overlooking the blue sea. I really cannot imagine myself living anywhere else now that I have experienced this. Just to be able to have sunshine and breath in the sea air is enough for me.

• I know that you love Ibiza do you want to tell us more about your experience with the island and how it has influenced your work and life?

I have loved visiting Ibiza since I was in my twenties. I love the freedom you experience when you are on the island. Time just simply stands still from the moment you get off the plane. It’s a magical place.

The sun is always shining and, being by the sea and surrounded by these elements, is where I always feel most inspired. I love the laid-back culture and, of course, the yummy cuisine.

There is one boutique that I simply adore which is Annie’s.  She has the most amazing curation of vintage party-wear, and Ibiza is the best place to show off her creations. I am a real girlie girl so any chance to dress up is a plus for me. Not only does she carry the most beautifully embroidered pieces and beaded dresses, she is someone who shares a similar ethos to me but through fashion. Some of her vintage garments have been redesigned which is something I adore.

I very much look forward to returning to Ibiza very soon and potentially hosting a pop up event or a collaboration to showcase my work on the island in the future.