Magazine
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By Son Min-jeong
Photo Courtesy of Tana Chung
Dazzling yet simple. Unique yet harmonious. Such is the allure of TANA CHUNG, a jewelry brand captivating many stars in Hollywood and Korea. The mind behind this brand is Tana Jung, a Korean designer living in Manhattan, New York, who seamlessly blends her presence between Korea and the U.S., crafting a distinctive world. A person who values balance and enchants every moment with elegance, I had the opportunity to meet with the extraordinary jewelry designer, Tana Jung.
"In 2008, I moved to America after getting married. I met my husband during college, and after graduation, continued with jewelry design. My formal debut in the U.S. was marked by a launch party in Soho.
Initially, I focused on high-end jewelry, but about five years ago, I shifted to fine jewelry. I’ve been working with private clients through showrooms instead of personal shops. In New York, I meet people from various fields, especially fashion insiders, stylists, and editors. As word spread and clients were satisfied with what they wore, many celebrities returned to purchase. Jennifer Lopez, after trying on some pieces, personally bought them. Though more aggressive marketing could be beneficial, the restrictions of this year and personal commitments like managing household tasks have kept me engaged."
The sophisticated and exotic aura she possesses belies any expectation of having spent much time abroad. I was curious about her name ‘Tana’ and her journey into jewelry design.
"I grew up in Korea and completed my education there. My name, Jeong Hyun-jeong, proved challenging for pronunciation in the U.S. Without an English name, I adopted 'TANA' from my brand. Derived from Sino-Korean characters meaning ‘Difference in Beauty,’ it was fitting as an English name too. I studied Product Design and Fashion Design in college. While working in broadcasting, I wore clothes styled for me, but it was through jewelry and accessories that I expressed my individuality. Friends asked for similar creations, leading to the birth of my brand, 'TANA.' Although I did not formally study jewelry design, my background in product and fashion design provided an instinctive foundation."
Images in this section feature actress Lee Min-jung and Hollywood stars wearing Tana Chung jewelry.
Tana Jung’s jewelry adorns numerous stars including Jennifer Lopez, Vanessa Hudgens, and Anna Camp, as well as Korean luminaries like Jun Ji-hyun and Lee Min-jung. Her designs defy traditional fine jewelry, boasting geometric yet structurally cohesive styles.
"Fine jewelry uses precious metals and stones like gold, silver, pearls, rubies, and emeralds, often reserved for special occasions. Traditionally perceived as difficult to wear, pearls evoke images of large family heirlooms. I see a need for a paradigm shift. Jewelry reveals its true beauty when close to people. I aim for adaptability, matching any outfit, whether dressed down or up. It's about transforming perceptions."
A customer initially feared her jewelry looked counterfeit but found overwhelming acclaim in LA, becoming a fan. This shift in perspective characterizes her creative process.
Tana strives not only to design unique pieces but to fill her life with beauty.
"As a wife and mother, I love managing household affairs. My daily life reflects a commitment to excellence. I share my world through Instagram and YouTube, featuring more than just a designer’s life. Raised in a large family, I learned from my grandmother’s hospitality. After moving to the U.S., I filled the void by hosting dinners, echoing her care and detail."
Tana explores and innovates in cooking, merging ideas from travels and experiences.
"A memorable feedback from a follower who changed her lifestyle after watching my content emphasized the impact of sharing my passions, making life richer."
"Preserving ‘Tana Jung’s identity while managing life’s demands is key. Despite rising material costs, I continue to sketch and visit studios. Expanding into lifestyle branding remains a dream, aiming to become an Asian Martha Stewart. Sharing stories with New York and New Jersey moms excites me, hoping for joyful interactions."
Tana Jung
With a degree in Industrial and Fashion Design from Ewha Womans University, Tana Chung launched her jewelry collection in New York in 2008. Her award-winning style has progressed toward fine jewelry since 2015, collaborating with fashion icons and maintaining active engagement with clients in private shows.
