In ancient times, treasured jewellery pieces were often a marker of status, wealth or spiritual devotion. In more recent centuries, customised jewellery took on personal meaning, referencing relationships, cultural heritage or self-expression. Importantly – before the advent of fast fashion – the making of jewellery took time and care.The Polska Traveller, an independent jewellery maker in Hong Kong, still honours this tradition.Its artisans, like silversmiths in the olden days, make rings, pendants, bracelets, bangles and necklaces with reverence and patience, in a studio space above its Sai Ying Pun shop.“To me, jewellery is personal and intimate,” says founder Yeung Sau-lun, who considers himself an artist of diverse media rather than strictly a jewellery maker.“It’s an art form you always wear on your body, an object representing who you are.”A selection of The Polska Traveller’s jewellery pieces are displayed at its Sai Ying Pun shop. Photo: Dickson LeeThe beginnings of The Polska Traveller