Miss Cindy Chao, one of the world’s foremost contemporary fine jewelry artists, is the newest member of a select group of 'Rosewood Curators' �" 17 global opinion leaders and influencers who share their recommendations and insights into their favorite Rosewood destinations. 

Ms. Chao imparts insider tips to appreciating the heart and soul of Beijing, where “history and the future live side by side, and ancient meets modern,” onrosewoodhotels.com, with a companion video interview. She tells the best place to view ancient Chinese adornments, gives personal advice for a self-guided architectural tour, reveals where to find the best Peking duck, and shares new ways to experience tried-and-true tourist favorites. 

With her keen eye and aesthetic sensibilities, Ms. Chao is uniquely qualified to look at Beijing with special perception.

Ms. Chao creates jewelled works of art prized by collectors and museum curators, worn by connoisseurs, celebrities and royalty, and are showcased at fine jewelry auctions and elite exhibitions. Her designs, often inspired by nature, are organic and sculptural, and showcase rare gems and complex craftsmanship.

Just five years after CINDY CHAO The Art Jewel was founded in 2004, Forevermark of De Beers invited Ms. Chao to create a commemorative piece for them. The result was the “Majestic Beauty Fan” (coincidentally known the “Rosewood” fan in English translation), inlaid with diamonds weighing an astonishing 310 carats in total. The following year, her “Royal Butterfly” brooch was inducted into the renowned gem collection at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. In 2014, Ms. Chao’s “Ballerina Butterfly” was sold at auction for USD1.21 million to benefit the New York Ballet.

From childhood, a dedication to technical discipline and a striving for artistic perfection surrounded her. Her father was a sculptor and her grandfather was the 20th century’s most distinguished architect of Chinese palace structures, many of whose works are now classified as historical and national monuments. 

“Beijing is incredibly inspirational,” says Ms. Chao. “It’s so vibrant and diverse, from ancient alleyways to modern skyscrapers, unique cuisine to fine art galleries. It’s endlessly fascinating and always more to discover.” 

Destination insights from eclectic Rosewood Curators worldwide include those from fashion icon Iris Apfel (New York), arts patron John Bills (San Miguel de Allende, Mexico), musician Sarah McLachlan (Vancouver), and other leading lights in fields ranging from media, sports and statesmanship to the culinary and performing arts.