Natural Bold Baubles

Half-Austrian, half-Chinese Jeanine Hsu has taken a new turn in fashion to dedicate all her time to her green jewellery line, niin. The environmentally friendly handmade creations have already taken Hong Kong by storm. She speaks to Vivienne Tang about the message behind niin and her collaboration with WWF.

What is the essence of niin?

Niin’s motto is ‘treading lightly on the earth’. It is an environmentally and socially responsible jewellery brand that makes unique and natural handmade jewellery. niin makes a strong effort to recycle and re-use wherever possible. It also seeks out small family-run businesses to produce collections wherever possible.

What kind of materials do you use for the jewellery pieces?

niin’s designs are made from natural products and materials, using sustainable manufacturing techniques. The pieces are hand-made out of wood, horn, crystals and inlaid shells such as mother-of-pearl. These are often mixed with precious metals to produce one-of-a-kind jewellery that can complement any outfit.

Where and how is the jewellery produced?

It is designed and sourced by myself, then handmade by various artisans between Hong Kong, Bali and the Philippines. The conditions of the workers who make the pieces are checked wherever possible to ensure that they are treated correctly and paid fairly. Environmental standards are also a top priority for niin.

What is the message behind the niin brand?

There is so much beauty in nature which should be appreciated and given respect. My designs represent efforts to rework these materials, and give us a fresh way to look at them - so we can wear nature around our necks!

Do you have a favourite piece in your collection?

The wood chain link designs are the niin classic pieces (pictured above). They are made out of a combination of mixed woods which are hand carved into chain links and mixed with shells and metals to create stand-out pieces.

Is charity work part of your philosophy?

Yes - I believe in giving back. We all need to live in a more sustainable manner, and we need to be aware of what issues the Earth is facing with the environmental damage we have caused so far. We can and must change our ways. One of the best ways to do this is to support those bodies that are helping us to protect our environment. Recently niin has been fundraising for, and donating to WWF, with direct contributions to their climate projects and education programs.

What will we see from you in the future?

New designs, branching into a broader accessories range; and fundraising and collaborations with environmental and other charities, as well as other educational projects - a creative environmental workshop is in the pipeline. niin also plans to collaborate with other designers.

niin, 307 Yu Yuet Lai Building, 43-55 Wyndham Street, Central