Jewellery, Business and Connections Between China and the Netherlands

An autumn evening of shared stories and fresh perspectives in Amsterdam

How does a piece of jewellery find its way from an initial idea to a shop in Amsterdam? And how do two Dutch entrepreneurs come to build a working relationship with China?

These questions set the scene for an evening with George and Pierre on 23 October, as the Groningen Confucius Institute’s Chinese Cultural Salon series returned after a year-long pause. Held at the Institute’s Amsterdam office, the event explored the theme “From Factory to Studio,” bringing together the guests’ experiences of doing business in China and running jewellery shops in Amsterdam.

Outside, it was a rainy autumn evening. Inside, the atmosphere was warm and informal, with everyone gathered around the table to hear stories, discuss design and explore the everyday realities of working across cultures.

George and Pierre’s connection with GCI began in a Chinese language class. For this occasion, they returned to share another part of their lives: their journey as entrepreneurs. From their early ventures to opening a shop and considering the next stage of growth, their story offered a personal account of how a business takes shape through experience, decisions and a willingness to try.

Their presentation linked their work experiences in Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Shanghai to their jewellery business in Amsterdam. Photographs of city streets, successive offices, business partners and carefully arranged shop interiors brought that journey to life. For both speakers, China is a place they know through work and personal encounters, as well as a source of design inspiration and opportunities for collaboration.

The discussion of sourcing, production and design was particularly practical. How do you communicate an idea clearly? How do you make sure everyone understands the details in the same way? And how do you build trust over time? These everyday questions can make a considerable difference to the way a partnership develops.

George and Pierre spoke about the importance of personal relationships alongside clear communication. Visual references, precise dimensions and concrete specifications all help translate an idea into something that can be made. Their observations gave the audience a close-up view of cross-cultural collaboration as it happens in daily working life.

Their stories also invited a different appreciation of jewellery. A finished piece may first catch the eye through its colour, shape or materials. Learning about the work behind it brings another dimension into view: the decisions, conversations and craftsmanship involved in taking a design from an idea to something a person can wear.

The conversation with the audience was just as engaging. George and Pierre spoke openly and vividly, while participants contributed thoughtful questions and observations of their own. Discussion moved between entrepreneurship, experiences of China and the challenges and possibilities of doing business across cultures. The friendly atmosphere made it easy to join in, and the depth of the exchanges gave everyone plenty to reflect on.

A connection first made in a language classroom had opened the door to a wider conversation. It was a reminder of how language learning can lead us into other people’s lives, helping us understand culture through individual experiences and encounters.

Our thanks go to George and Pierre for their generous and engaging contribution, and to everyone who took part. Together, they brought warmth and colour to a rainy autumn evening.

In today’s world, taking the time to understand people, consider perspectives different from our own and build sincere connections across cultures may be more valuable than any business strategy. This is why we began this series of cultural events, and why we continue to bring people together: to create opportunities for conversation, to listen and share, and to give understanding and meaningful relationships room to grow.

On Friday, 27 November, we’ll be hosting an evening exploring how Chinese dress traditions shape global fashion. 
Find out more and register here.