Frenchman calls China his playground

His jewelry has enjoyed ever-growing popularity in the last few years. Worn by stars like Denise Ho, some of his jewelry were on display at the Beijing International Contemporary Jewelry Exhibition in December.

"China is like a playground now. It's a place of experiments where you can try out so many new ideas," he says. "It is very lively."

Society is increasingly welcoming designed objects that express individual styles and glamour, he says.

In the past few years, his students at the CAFA have turned from European designs to look into their own backgrounds and cultures, working much more with their own hands too, he says.

"While they look at what's happening in Europe, it doesn't change what they're doing (here)," he says.

"My clients, too, are taking to more modern design to express themselves."

Favard's business now comes mainly from wedding and engagement rings.

"There are often only two people in the world who know about the proposal - the man and me," he says.

The groom invariably hopes the ring will carry the couple's unique story and identity.

"I try to understand the couple more and design rings that express this.

"As designers, we don't like trends. But following one's own style and individuality - that's definitely a trend."