Dilys Gem-Grade Aquamarine Diamond Ring in 18K Gold

Family-run fine jewelry brand Dilys’ was established with the goal of creating adornments for modern Asian women that merge distinctive forward-looking style with tradition. To create the company’s bright, colorful and totally dazzling bracelets, rings, necklaces and other accessories, founder Dilys Young draws on Art Deco jewelry and a range of other modes and eras of design (Dilys’ transformable tiara necklace, for example, draws on Qing dynasty-era jewels). Young believes that professional women need to have choices in jewelry, with versatile options and pieces for all kinds of occasions.

Dilys’ began in 1991 as a maker of bespoke jewelry in Hong Kong. The company’s humble start allowed Young and her team of artisans to focus on the quality of design. Young traveled to trade shows in Taipei, Taiwan and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, establishing herself outside of the Hong Kong market and creating venturesome pieces — she designed various accessories that see both Art Deco influences and nods to Chinese culture in their geometrically rich arrangements of diamonds and integration of dragon motifs. Elsewhere, Young was using Paraiba tourmalines in Dilys’ cocktail rings and earrings long before the hypnotizing stone’s current surge of popularity. 

By 2003, Young’s jewelry designs had reached a North American audience, and the founder took her collections to trade shows in Las Vegas and New York. Dilys' soon became known internationally. In 2008 and 2009, Dilys’ continued to reach new markets. The company launched its contemporary Novel and Lady collections and Dilys' acquired a new 4,000-square-foot facility in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, and operations expanded to meet the growing demand.

Shortly after celebrating 20 years in business, Young would open her Shanghai offices. Eventually, Young brought her daughter, Pearl Li, into the business. The University of the Arts London graduate helms marketing at the company and launched a sister brand, Young by Dilys’, to offer affordable accessories to today’s jewelry lovers. Another brand, D by Dilys', was founded by Li and Young in 2021 — it is focused on creating one-of-a-kind pieces with hand-picked gems for a younger clientele.

On 1stDibs, find Dilys’ rings, earrings, bracelets and other jewelry.