What I’ve learned: Ronny Hsu, Head of Sale of Jewellery at Christie’s Asia-Pacific

Born into a family of jewellers, Ronny Hsu grew up surrounded by dazzling diamonds and gemstones, as his parents ran a jewellery retail business. After graduating with a degree in finance, he chose to follow his true passion and joined the jewellery department of auction industry in 2014. On his very first day, he began with the most fundamental tasks—compiling catalogues, photographing auction items, preparing condition reports, and handling client services, which built a solid foundation for his career.

‘The auction industry operates at a much faster pace than retail, with each season being a fresh start, and therefore incredibly challenging,’ says Ronny Hsu. His decision to relocate from Taipei to Hong Kong in 2016 was driven by the fact that Hong Kong is the foremost jewellery trading hub in Asia, providing more opportunities to access the world’s finest gemstones and diamonds in this free port. The Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair every September is the largest of its kind globally, where industry experts, connoisseurs and buyers from all over the world gather for a spectacular event. The international platform of Hong Kong has also given Ronny Hsu the valuable and long-awaited opportunity to train and grow.

Ronny Hsu’s debut season with Christie’s Asia Pacific jewellery department was back in autumn 2019. As the region’s leading auction house for fine jewellery for over three decades, Christie’s high standards were well-known to Ronny. ‘I still remember how nervous I was,’ he recalls. The season’s cover lot was a magnificent jadeite bead and spinel necklace named ‘Heavenly Harmony,’ It was won by Ronny on behalf of a long-time client for over HK$73 million. ‘That level of trust left a lasting impression,’ he says.

In the world of jewellery auctions, ‘trust’ is a word Ronny returns to often. Whether cataloging pieces, photographing gems, or curating exhibitions, he always emphasizes integrity and accountability above all. These values, he notes, underpin Christie’s decades-long reputation and its record-breaking sales of colored gemstones and diamonds.

When comparing Asia Pacific’s jewellery market to global trends, Ronny observes that buyers in the region still gravitate towards contemporary designs, while Western collectors show stronger interest in antique pieces. ‘Asian collectors began engaging with vintage jewellery in recent two to three decades, whereas Western buyers have a deeper historical connection,’ he explains. ‘But over the last five to ten years, Asian collectors have shown more enthusiasm for antique jewels. They’re now actively bidding on gemstones and fancy diamonds at the highest level in both Geneva and New York.’

Indeed, antique jewellery steeped in history and rarity commands fierce demand among seasoned collectors. Auction houses like Christie’s leverage vast networks to source discontinued or one-of-a-kind pieces, many of which may never reappear on the market. This is also the charm of Hong Kong as a vibrant jewellery trading centre. Whether they are antique or modern masterpieces, colored gemstones or jadeite treasures, the market possesses infinite potential. It offers unparallel access for specialists to expand their professional knowledge as well.

Asked about his personal preferences, Ronny answers without hesitation: ‘Rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. A gem’s color, shape, inclusions, luster, and crystal structure tell a distinct story. Certificates for colored stones only note origin and treatments; assessing qualities like hue and clarity requires the human eye. That’s where the magic lies.’ With legendary mines depleted, top-quality colored gems, he adds, are rarer than ever.

For aspiring professionals looking to join the world of jewellery, Ronny advises immersing oneself in global auctions, museum exhibitions, and even retail trends. ‘Build a comprehensive knowledge system by comparing pieces across eras and styles. Understanding market dynamics is fundamental to valuation.’

New collectors, he suggests, should start with auction previews, as they are the best place to sharpen their eyes and quickly accumulate experience. ‘At Christie’s, for each sale we select 100 exceptional lots from 1,000 pieces. It’s a rigorous screening process that presents only the best for buyers. Auctions also offer side-by-side comparisons of brands and styles, ideal for those whose collection just starts to shape. As an independent third party, Christie’s specialist team provide candid advice tailored to a collector’s true needs.’ All jewellery lots offered by Christie’s come with certificates from internationally recognized institutions, ensuring peace of mind for new clients.

Ronny Hsu’s profound devotion to jewellery transcends professional dedication. It’s a lifelong pursuit of beauty. His relentless enthusiasm weaves work and life into a harmonious symphony. With deep understanding and unwavering passion, he continues to craft wonderful stories for these radiant treasures that shimmer through time.