For this project, I wanted to explore my Chinese heritage and incorporate a personal artifact: the Chinese “chop” stamp my parents got me when they adopted me.

Traditionally used for signing artwork and documents, a chop is a hand-carved seal made from stone, wood, or metal. My original stamp was missing, so I researched traditional carving techniques and made my own. Carving stone by hand proved challenging, but I learned to use a diamond bandsaw and, after much trial and error, carefully etched my Chinese name into the surface.

The band is sterling silver, chemically etched to mimic the hand-drawn quality of my carving. I also added a removable tassel, inspired by ornate chops. This piece is a labor of love—an homage to my Chinese ancestry and the names my parents gave me, which I carry with pride and reverence.