An Important Collector Explains Why High Jewels Are The Best Investment

George Huang, 62, of Taipei, Taiwan, founded Total Technologies, Ltd., a connectors and cables company based in Taipei and Newport Beach, Calif., that grew from a one-person operation to a successful worldwide business of 650 employees that produce and sell more than 75,000 products in the medical, industrial, space, computer, communication, pro-Audio, hi-definition video, and robotics fields. He personally owns more than 24 worldwide innovation and design patents.

Over the years he’s also become an important collector of art and other objects. He attends major art fairs around the world and communicates with contemporary creators and dealers. His favorite objects to acquire by far are jewelry and gems. He owns jewels from many of the top contemporary high jewelry artists as well as significant historic pieces. Below he explains why he believes collecting high jewels is the best investment.

When did you start collecting jewelry? 

I began collecting gemstones – such as rubies, emeralds, sapphires, cat’s-eye and stars – 30 years ago because I was amazed and enchanted by the idea that each of these gemstones is formed over time, temperature and pressure unimaginable to us. The root of each gemstone goes back to a time long before us. Each gemstone alone carries incredible historical significance.

Why did you choose to collect jewels as opposed to other objects?

Before I began collecting jewels, I collected mostly antique Chinese jade pieces, bronze artifacts, and paintings, which were difficult to maintain, display and transport. Authentication is also a major element in collecting antique objects, and it is often complex.

What is it about jewels that you find attractive as a collector?

A natural gemstone radiates beauty that outshines any manmade art piece. The gemstone itself is a masterpiece of Mother Nature. I remember seeing a gemstone for the first time. I could not take my eyes off it. Later on, I realized that when a gemstone is turned into wearable jewelry through creativity and craftsmanship, it is where the human experience meets nature at one of the highest levels. I then understood human beings’ unyielding pursuit of jewelry as an art form, from kings and queens to great artists such as Picasso and Dali. A unique piece of jewelry art is the ultimate embodiment of poetic beauty, creative genius and the spirit of its time.

Do you collect contemporary and historic jewels? Do you collect jewels from Asia, predominately or do you also collect jewels from the west?

My interest in jewelry spans across time periods and geographical boundaries. I collect both antique and contemporary pieces from the East and the West. In my collection there are 18th and 19th century’s jewels, as well as pieces by Cartier, Bvlgari, Boucheron, Rene Lalique, JAR and Wallace Chan.

Who are your favorite jewelry artists?

Wallace Chan is my all time favorite. There are three important reasons:

* Unparalleled creativity – There is unique design in every piece of his jewelry from day one.

* Innovative spirit – He never stops innovating. He already created the Wallace Cut back in the 1980s, and then the jade patent [Chan patented a jade refining and brightening technique], and his innovative use of titanium and porcelain. He is always taking on new challenges. The way he interprets his materials is also unique. For example, the vibrant, changing colors of his titanium clearly demonstrate how meticulous he is when he works with the metal.

* Artistic soul – If you ask me, Wallace Chan is a true artist, innovator and philosopher, and his art and artistry go beyond time and space. In my opinion he is not to be confined by today, tomorrow, the East or the West. There is no doubt that his jewelry pieces will stand the test of time. As a collector, it is important to know that your collections are both the essence of time and timeless.

Did your background influence how you appreciate and collect jewels and other art?

As an industrial designer and innovator in my business, I think I can fully understand, appreciate and respect an art creator’s work like Wallace and all the other great art creators in the world.

I didn’t have any background or formal art education in art history. All my knowledge was continuously gained and learned from studying art books and professional magazines, and visiting many trade fairs like TEFAF, Masterpiece London and the Paris Biennial so I can meet with dealers, wholesalers, collectors and designers. Finally I like to compare, analyze and decide my next (purchasing) move every year.

What do you do with your collection? Do you show them like art? Keep them at a safe place? Does your wife wear them?

If there are no important events to attend, then we store them all in the safe with insurance.

Not only does my wife love to wear Wallace’s designs but I also very much enjoy wearing them too. We’ve worn them at all formal events such as TEFAF, Biennale, Masterpiece, as well as our major business and private parties. Incredibly, the most eye catching pieces we’ve worn on any occasion always belongs to Wallace. Even under very poor lighting environments, his designs are always able to shine like a crown jewel with brilliant sparkle. Even though he uses far fewer diamonds compared to other designers.

Many times we’ve had high jewelry designers and collectors who will approach and say to us, “This must be Wallace’s, right?” It’s one of the reasons that we are so proud to wear his designs.

Besides wearing our collections, we also constantly allow Wallace to use these art treasures to be displayed in art shows and museums around the world for people to be able to enjoy Wallace’s best designs.

Also, there’s a value associated with high jewels. Do you see your pieces as an investment as well as art?

Yes, Not only do the jewels have its own commercial market value but once it is viewed as art then it becomes priceless. These collections definitely are a remarkable investment as well as having a great deal of importance in the history of art. I’m so proud that I have the opportunity to own these works in my lifetime.

How do you feel about collecting gems and jewels as an investment?

I believe gems and jewels are the best all time investment. The reasons are:

* There is great long-term returns

* You’re able to wear them

* They travel well

* They’re internationally recognized

* They’re easy to maintain

Mankind throughout history loved to collect beautiful gems and jewels. For many it was their most important asset for the past several thousand years. It’s a symbol that can’t be replaced.