Calvin Wang and Vincent Raffin introduce Pen Mané, their new jewellery brand inspired by resilience

New jewellery brand Pen Mané, founded by Hong Kong style savants Calvin Wang and Vincent Raffin, specialises in rings, earrings, necklaces and bangles that honour tradition while embracing contemporary sensibilities.

Pen Mané is named after a property belonging to Raffin’s family, perched on a cliff in Brittany, on France’s northwest coast, but there is a deeper significance. He explains, “Pen Mané is not just the name of a family home; it symbolises a haven deeply rooted in personal and cultural history.” The name itself, derived from the Breton dialect of northern France, means “overlooking the horizon”—a fitting moniker for a brand that aims to forge new paths in a well- established industry.

The brand’s inaugural collection, The Wild Coast, which is available at outlets including craft-focused boutique 52 Gage in Central and luxury concept store Beauregards at Rosewood Hong Kong, draws inspiration from the rugged beauty of the coastline along Brittany’s Quiberon Peninsula. The pieces bear intentional damage where diamonds transform imperfections into points of light, with each piece engraved with the motto: “Whatever may come, I will shine.”

Vincent Raffin (Photo: TMT /Tatler Hong Kong)

Calvin Wang (Photo: TMT /Tatler Hong Kong)

Wang’s role at Pen Mané is managing director while Raffin is the artistic director—not that he had a traditional entry into the discipline. “I am self-taught as a designer, drawing from a variety of experiences and influences throughout my life. I didn’t grow up surrounded by jewellers or designers, which, in hindsight, was a blessing,” he says. “Over the past two decades, I have specialised in high jewellery [Raffin held senior positions at both Hemmerle and David Yurman], becoming adept at the highest standards of craftsmanship, gemmology and retail.”

He did, however, have the benefit of a relationship with influential jeweller Joel Arthur Rosenthal, whose influence significantly shaped his approach to his craft. Raffin wrote him a letter while at school, which Rosenthal replied to. “He encouraged me to finish my studies before starting in the industry. He was the first person I called as soon as I got my diploma. Joel never dictates how jewels should be to others. Instead, he follows his own vision and has built his reputation on being true to himself. Joel taught me that to create jewels that will shine over time, I must find my true light and embrace it with love.”

Pen Mané’s debut collection, The Wild Coast (Photo: TMT/Tatler Hong Kong)

The duo, who are both life and business partners, developed Pen Mané together in the aftermath of the pandemic. “It just felt like the right time,” says Wang. “During a period of introspection post-Covid, Vincent and I found ourselves reevaluating priorities and seeking inspiration. Sharing the same business ambitions and artistic respect, it felt natural to embark on this project together after years of contemplation.”

Quickfire

Vincent Raffin (Photo: TMT /Tatler Hong Kong)

Calvin Wang (Photo: TMT /Tatler Hong Kong)

What is your all-time favourite piece of jewellery, and why does it resonate with you?Raffin: The new Pen Mané designs coming up. They challenge us to always improve. Wang: My Tibetan “Gawu” amulet. I have had it for more than ten years. I never take it off— The few times that it accidentally fell off, somehow it always found its way back to me (knocks on wood).

Do you prefer classic metals like gold and silver, or are you drawn to bold gemstones and colours in your designs?Raffin: We’ll consider using any materials or technology available today that best serve our design mission. That is how jewellery has always been. Wang: Bold gemstones

How would you describe your personal jewellery style in three words? Raffin: Personal, distinctive and wearable. Wang: Personal, meaningful and comfortable.

What’s one piece of jewellery you believe everyone should own?Raffin: Any jewel that tells your story and that makes you feel special. Wang: A bangle that you never take off and that becomes part of your identity

Name your dream client.Raffin: Tilda Swinton Wang: You.

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