Wallis Hong

Jewellery maker | Madrid, Spain

The bewitching sparkle of perseverence

Wallis is a high jewellery artist inspired by marine life, mythology and nature
His work is recognised by leading international curators, fairs, collectors and celebrities
He works in Spain, China and Switzerland to craft his pieces

As a self-taught contemporary jewellery maker, Wallis Hong’s career has been driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge. He moved from China to Spain in 2016 in pursuit of passion, but unexpectedly discovered his true calling. “I have loved jewellery since I was a child. I love all things that sparkle,” he says. His mother is a singer and he credits her for nurturing his appreciation for art, poise and elegance. In Madrid, Wallis developed a deep interest in fine arts, art history and jewellery design, studying materials and gemstones before training in private workshops in Barcelona and Guangzhou. There, he forged a self-made path, mastering techniques from wax modelling to glass lampworking. Wallis’ high jewellery stands out for its refined craftsmanship and singular expression. "In my work, I aim to transform my observations of nature and light into wearable art," he explains.

Interview

@Wallis Hong

@Macau Filming

How has tenacity featured in your career as a maker?: Tenacity turned curiosity into discipline. With no higher education background, I pushed myself to learn relentlessly, not only the jewellery making techniques, design, art and history, but also entrepreneurial skills. By building financial stability through other ventures, I gained the freedom to invest time, patience and resources in pursuing excellence in my art.
What inspires your art forms and colour palette?: My inspiration comes from childhood memories living in rural Guangdong with my mother. Wonderous creatures and myth emerge vividly from those years, as well as the patterns and rhythms I recall in temple architecture, next to my devoted Buddhist grandfather. Radiating natural forms, especially of marine life, express my connection to infinite energy, while the iridescence of oxidised titanium and gem-inspired pastels create an otherworldly effect.
What turning points determined your path as a jewellery artist?: There were several turning points. Working for Hermès stores in Madrid in 2019 was an opportunity to enter the world of luxury jewellery, bringing me closer to my dream. A trip to Portugal, however, ultimately defined my calling as an artist when I first encountered René Lalique’s Dragonfly Woman. This Art Nouveau masterpiece at Lisbon’s Calouste Gulbenkian Museum remains one of the most inspiring influences on my work.
What mentors have you found in your self-taught journey?: My greatest mentors are in China. My mother – my muse – instilled in me a love for art through her elegance, stage costumes and, above all, her strength. My grandfather was a spiritual guide, and the temples we visited were places of both worship and play. Lastly, the master jeweller with over 30 years’ experience taught me traditional jewellery making and continues to help me materialise complex, challenging designs.

Wallis Hong is a rising star: he began his career in 2018