Tooth jewelry dates back to ancient times, with various civilizations having customs of adorning teeth. In recent years, it has surged in popularity in the West as a symbol of fashion, becoming a new form of stylish self-expression. Tooth jewelry is not just an accessory to enhance your look, but also a statement of personality and attitude. Local tooth jewelry shop @thesparkle.hkg, with two years of dedication and boundless creativity, has brought this unique aesthetic to Hong Kong, offering young people a fresh way to express themselves. We had the pleasure of speaking with the shop owner, Miu, who shared insights into the journey of creating tooth jewelry.
The young owner, Miu, recalls the early days of starting the shop. She noticed that tooth jewelry had been trendy overseas for years, yet no one in Hong Kong had ventured into the market. That inspired her to introduce this unique form of fashion to the local scene. “I didn’t want to work for others anymore; I wanted to change my fate and create something of my own.”
“Tooth gems are applied using professional dental materials that adhere to the surface of the teeth and can be worn for long periods. Grills, on the other hand, are more like earrings—they can be removed anytime. Generally speaking, tooth jewelry can last anywhere from a few months to six months, and with proper care, even up to a year,” Miu explained, revealing her professional confidence.
“The whole process has been unforgettable. Since there were no dedicated courses on tooth jewelry in Hong Kong, I had to enroll in metalworking classes to learn basic techniques and then self-taught through YouTube,” Miu reminisced about her learning journey, admitting that it was full of challenges. However, with the support of teachers and friends, she persevered to where she is today.
In Miu’s studio, there’s a uniquely designed piece of tooth jewelry, which she shared with us along with an interesting story. “My favorite piece is a lower tooth design with the words ‘This message has been deleted.’ The inspiration came from my habit of retracting WhatsApp messages after sending them. Every time my friends see this tooth jewelry, they find it amusing.” This shows how Miu not only strives for perfection in her craftsmanship but also integrates her personal life and humor into her creations.
“I hope to expand the studio in the future, allowing more people to understand and embrace the culture of tooth jewelry.” In these ever-changing times, Miu’s creativity and dedication have helped spread the art of tooth jewelry within Hong Kong’s culture, and we eagerly anticipate the next chapter of her journey with The Sparkle.