Project Memory Chime

Volunteer: "Miss Chung, why did you choose to capture this particular time of day?”

Miss Chung: “It takes me back to the early mornings, when I used to wake up early and work. It’s my favourite time of day—just before the sun rises, when the stars haven’t completely disappeared.”

Miss Chung: “The streets were empty and quiet. It felt like the entire world belonged only to me. In that stillness, you could see the last star of the night fading as the sun began to peek over the horizon. It’s a very private moment—the only time I’m not thinking or worrying about my kids, my work, or others. It’s truly a moment just for me.”

Volunteer: “So that’s what we see in the ring—the sun and the last star meeting.”

Miss Chung: “Exactly. The circle represents the sun, just beginning its day, and the little diamond is that one last star. This was my first idea when you asked me to create something that reminded me of myself.”

Volunteer's Note:
The image on the left reflects our attempt to use AI to transform this special moment into a design, exploring the idea of “how the star meets the sun.” It’s a new learning experience for us as we experiment with such a hot topic in AI. What makes it fun is seeing how interpretations can differ—Miss Chung and I each imagine the concept of the star meeting the sun in unique ways. With AI, however, we can bring those ideas to life visually and refine our designs through experimentation and fine-tuning.

In the misty mountains of Taiwan, designer Miss Yau journeyed to the ancient forests of Alishan, where she was awestruck by the sacred trees that have stood for a thousand years. Encircling a single trunk required the arms of many, showcasing nature's immense scale and power. Amidst this timeless life, she found profound peace, breathing in the oxygen-rich air gifted by these guardians. The pendant she created embodies that life-giving spirit and the enduring strength of the Alishan forest. More than just an adornment, it serves as a reminder to connect with nature, embrace resilience, and draw upon its strength.

Volunteer's Note:
During the workshop, Miss Yau expressed very clearly that she wanted to design a jewelry piece inspired by a tree, while most of the group tended to choose flowers. She shared stories from her travels with friends, describing how much she loves the atmosphere around large, ancient trees—especially those hundreds of years old, towering above the forest. She even mentioned one she recently encountered on her trip to Aishan.

Listening to her, I suddenly realized that trees can symbolize the elderly in our society. They have supported and contributed throughout their lifetimes. Unlike flowers, they may not immediately catch the eye, but they are rich in wisdom and experience, always warm and supportive to those around them.

Some designs we created together using AI to depict the ideal design of Miss Yau.

The Koru Wave Ring, designed by Ben Y, embodies the untamed spirit of the ocean and the deep symbolism of Maori art. Drawing inspiration from Maori hieroglyphs, the ring captures the power of ocean waves through its unique design. A sterling silver band with a brushed finish contrasts beautifully with the oxidized channel that holds a repeating pattern, reflecting ancient traditions. The central Koru motif, symbolizing new life and growth, is complemented by a deep red gemstone, representing the earth's fiery heart. This ring is not merely jewelry; it tells a story of strength, nature, and the dynamic flow of life.

Volunteer's Note:
I love the feeling that you can always learn something new from the people around you. When I first joined this program, I thought I would be the one teaching the elderly about AI. But as the process unfolded, I realized I was the one learning. Maori art was completely new to me, and I had a strange yet fascinating experience: once you understand the meaning and inspiration behind the patterns, the designs suddenly become clear and deeply resonant.

Above are some of our considerations during the design process, but we decided that a red gem would be a beautiful highlight to represent the Māori spirit.

The Twilight Leap Pendant, designed by Linda Lava, blends nostalgia and vitality, inspired by her cherished university memories of quiet weekends at the dorm. Gazing at the water during sunset, she felt a serene stillness, bathed in golden light. The design incorporates playful dolphins, symbolizing the joy that emerges from moments of loneliness, reminding us of the vibrant life and hope that lie beneath the calm surface. Wearing this pendant signifies a connection to peace and satisfaction while embodying the energy to leap forward into the future. It represents the harmonious meeting of memory and the rhythm of life.

Volunteer's Note:
I asked Miss Linda why she chose dolphins as her inspiration. She explained that dolphins are always happy and energetic, reminding her of her younger self during her university days. I could sense the joy and childlike tone in her voice as she described that time—filled with hope and imagination for the future. Her words also encouraged me. For the younger generation who often feel frustrated during the transition from school to work, her perspective is a reminder to carry confidence forward while never forgetting the values we cherish.

This is a study of the dolphin’s happiest pose, which we want to capture in the pendant.

For Miss Tong, the most precious treasures are the moments spent with her grandson, especially during their shared love of cinema. A famous ring from a film sparked her imagination, reminding her of the iron gate of her old home in Wanchai, a symbol of safety and childhood joy. The Memory Gate ring beautifully captures the intricate lattice of that gate, with each line representing shared laughter and treasured memories. This design is not a mere replica but an interpretation—an architectural piece that embodies the warmth of family and the magic of the past. More than just an adornment, it serves as a key to happiness, symbolizing the enduring bond she has with her grandson and the love that spans generations.

Volunteer's Note:
Talking with Miss Tong (Tong Porpor) feels just like talking to a typical grandparent—she sometimes repeats herself, recalls old shops or restaurants that no longer exist, and you simply listen patiently without interrupting. What she mentions most often is her eldest grandson, whom she practically raised. He spent much of his childhood with her in her old house in Wan Chai, a historic district on Hong Kong Island where many traditional shops lined the streets. Those houses often had iron gates with distinctive patterns, which became part of her cherished memories of that time with him.

To honor this connection, we used AI to explore different gate patterns, searching for the one that most closely matched her memory of her old home.

For designer 君E, the night becomes a vibrant canvas, inspiring her bat brooch—a tribute to her dynamic life after dusk. The bat symbolizes freedom and the thrill of the unknown, embodying a spirit that flourishes in darkness. More than just an accessory, this brooch is a bold statement for those who embrace their individuality and craft their own stories beneath the moonlight. Nocturnal Vogue stands as a badge of honor, celebrating charismatic and audacious souls who claim the night with confidence and style.

For 君E, the bat is a reflection of herself—unconventional, full of life, and embracing both day and night with equal passion.

Volunteer's Note:
When we first met 君E, she was the sharpest presence in the room—dressed in an eye‑catching all‑yellow outfit, cracking witty jokes, and surprising the volunteers with bursts of laughter. 君E embodies the way I hope to age: able to laugh at anything, even at oneself, and treating even the hardest challenges as no big deal.

She carries a strong sense of style and opinion, expressed with such confidence that you can’t help but be persuaded. When we asked whether a bat motif would be something people might wear, she replied that the world is already full of ordinary, unremarkable things. To stand out, you must think outside the box and create something new and special—and for some industries, the bat is considered a lucky charm.

Her conviction and the way she presents her ideas are inspiring. This is the impression that 君E left on me: charismatic, fearless, and unapologetically unique.

For artisan Mr. So, inspiration begins in the quiet moments beside the tranquil pond at his home, where his cherished goldfish swim. These fish, symbols of luck and prosperity, inspire him to create jewelry that captures their essence in a subtle, personal way. "The Golden Kiss" pendant is the realization of this dream, meticulously crafted to embody the graceful shape of a goldfish within its circular frame. With an elegant curve and a lace-like tail, the design reveals itself slowly, inviting personal discovery for the wearer. More than just an adornment, this pendant serves as a heartfelt wish, embodying Mr. So's tribute to his muses and offering a personal emblem of luck and beauty to its owner.

Volunteer's Note:
Mr. So is a quiet person—using a popular term among us, we might call him an introvert. Yet he has ideas and learns quickly. After we showed him how to use AI to create images, he picked it up right away and soon began asking AI about many other things, such as the weather in different cities or building prices. He didn’t share much until we asked about his inspiration. When we asked why he chose the goldfish, he simply replied that he loved the sense of luck and calmness this creature represents.

This is what i introduced Mr So on disectting the concept into different parts, and converted it into the jewelry design, we chosen the fish scales at the end.

For Miss Leung, true balance lies within, reflecting the harmony between her faith and the freedom of her spirit. The Soul's Sanctuary pendant symbolizes relationships, rooted in her connection with the Creator and extending to herself and others. Designed as a minimalist architectural house, its clean lines represent clarity and strength, providing a tranquil space for reflecting on personal growth and daily interactions. The pendant subtly incorporates a cross into its framework, signifying that faith is integral to life, serving as both shelter and compass. More than just jewelry, this piece is a personal blueprint that celebrates the strength found in solitude, reminding the wearer of the balanced architecture of their own soul.

Volunteer's Note:
Miss Leung's design caught my most attention when I saw her design, because it is like Picasso's work, the triangle design is like a symbol that you cannot tell where is the muse or inspiration coming from. After her explanation, it ring a bell that triangle can acutally symbolize the "Home" concept, arent we drawing the house with a triange rooftop when we are in kindergarden? It is like the standard drawing of a house among all chidlren. I also love the meaning of balancing her self's own feeling, depedencies and religon, with a perfect balance triangle. which is the most stable stucture not only in architecture, but also in Miss Leung's mind.