Name: Tana Chung
Location: New York City
Product: Freshwater Pearl, Green Amethyst, and Aquamarine Labradorite Necklace; Freshwater Pearl and Aquamarine Long Necklace

Jewelry designer Tana Chung created her first piece when she was a TV host in South Korea and wanted some original pieces to wear on the air. Now based in New York City, she specializes in striking and original jewelry that can be worn in multiple ways.

What do you love about what you do?
I can’t get enough of seeing women become more confident and lively when they wear my jewelry.

How would you sum up your aesthetic/design philosophy?
Tana means “beauty in difference” and I try to apply that to each piece I design. I want each piece to have a different kind of structure and composition from any other pieces that people might see in the marketplace today.  

What was the big aha! you had while creating these necklaces?
My aha! moment is always seeing the final product. As a designer, different color schemes, shapes and structures float around in my mind and when I finally put the pieces together, it’s a true aha! moment that I can’t get enough of.

What are you working on next?
I’m currently waiting for samples of my new collection to come back from my manufacturers and I’m so excited to see how everything will look!

What would you like to do other than your current occupation?
I love to cook and entertain friends and family. My husband grew up in Sicily, so I’ve been experimenting with quite a lot of Italian-inspired dishes that our family and friends love… so maybe a chef!