Master of jade

To highlight the purity and brightness of jadeite, Chan invented a new polishing technique that allows the green refraction to magnify and sharpen the deep green colors of the stone. The technique was patented in 2002.

Chan also created gem-setting techniques inspired by the mortise and tenon joints in ancient Chinese furniture to fit the gemstones perfectly against each other instead of using conventional metal claws.

A dedicated researcher and innovator of materials and technology, Chan is widely recognized for his invention of a new porcelain that was named after him. "I remember when I was little, my mother was very upset with me as I dropped a spoon and it broke to pieces," Chan says. "I wondered if there was a way to prevent porcelain from breaking so easily … that is why I created this new version."