In 1965

At 18, Hing Wa Lee became a master gem carver and founded his first factory, the Hing Wa Lee Shan Wu Jade Workshop, in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. His finely detailed gemstone carvings quickly gained international acclaim. Recognized as one of the great modern masters of the craft, he was later named Lifetime Chairman of the Hong Kong Carving Association and began training apprentices in 1965.

His expertise attracted the attention of the Smithsonian Museum in the U.S., after several antique Chinese carvings in their collection were damaged. The Inter-Gem Mineral Society, led by Betty and Danny Duke, sought out the world’s best restorer and chose Hing Wa Lee for his unmatched reputation and skill. He was entrusted with the delicate restoration work due to his deep knowledge and precision.

This opportunity marked the start of Hing Wa Lee’s journey in the United States. His success at the Smithsonian not only elevated his global reputation but also opened doors for him to share Chinese gemstone artistry with a wider audience, bridging Eastern tradition with Western appreciation.

In the 70’s

While working on a restoration project for the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C., Hing Wa Lee noticed a strong appreciation for traditional Chinese arts among American collectors and institutions. Seeing a unique opportunity, he decided to expand beyond restoration and establish a business in the U.S.

He opened Hing Wa Lee Gallery in Bethesda, Maryland, importing fine gemstone carvings from his workshop in Hong Kong. These pieces were then sold to retailers, galleries, and art dealers across the country.

By bridging Eastern craftsmanship with Western markets, Hing Wa Lee built strong relationships within the American art community and laid the foundation for a respected and growing business.

In the 80’s

After establishing a successful business on the East Coast, Hing Wa Lee saw new opportunities in the growing West Coast market. He relocated to Los Angeles, California, and opened his first West Coast wholesale operation on Hill Street in Downtown Los Angeles, a key location within the city’s bustling jewelry district.

From this new base, he began offering imperial jade and other fine gemstone jewelry to retail jewelers across the United States. His pieces combined traditional Chinese craftsmanship with designs that resonated with a diverse American market.

Thanks to his commitment to quality and authenticity, Hing Wa Lee quickly gained a strong reputation among jewelers nationwide, becoming a trusted name in the luxury gemstone and jade industry.

In 1992

David Lee, the eldest son of Hing Wa Lee, graduated from the Entrepreneurship Program at USC’s Marshall School of Business and joined the family business. He transformed the company’s focus from wholesale to retail, strategically positioning it to serve the growing Chinese-American market in Southern California, along with the broader local clientele in the San Gabriel Valley.

In 1993

The first luxury retail store was opened in San Gabriel Square, located in the City of San Gabriel. Building on the company’s legacy of fine jewelry and gemstone carvings, David Lee expanded the product offering to include prestigious Swiss-made timepieces, introducing a new level of sophistication to the brand. Through his vision and dedication, Hing Wa Lee Jewelers quickly gained recognition and was embraced by the Chinese community in Southern California as a premier destination for luxury jewelry and watches.

In 1995

Hing Wa Lee Jewelers became an official Rolex Authorized Jeweler, serving both the Chinese-American market and the broader San Gabriel Valley. It was the first and only Rolex Authorized Jeweler within the Chinese community in the United States, marking a significant milestone for the brand and the community it serves. Under David Lee’s leadership, the company has continued to thrive, upholding the highest standards of service while offering an exceptional selection of luxury timepieces and fine jewelry to a culturally diverse clientele.

In 1997

The second Hing Wa Lee Jewelers location opened in Hong Kong Plaza, situated in the City of Rowland Heights in Los Angeles County. Spanning 8,000 square feet, the showroom embodied the brand’s continued commitment to luxury and elegance. In 2004, this location was relocated to the newly constructed Hing Wa Lee Plaza, further elevating the brand’s presence and customer experience.

In 2003

The Hing Wa Lee Plaza was developed in the City of Walnut, featuring 30,000 square feet of retail space and three levels of parking. It became the new home for the brand’s flagship store.

The Hing Wa Lee Jewelers flagship spans 11,000 square feet over two floors, offering one of the largest selections of luxury timepieces, fine jewelry, and accessories in the U.S.

To further enhance the customer experience, the Hing Wa Lee Group’s HWL Real Estate division acquired a property across the street, expanding the plaza into a premier shopping destination.

In Oct 26 2013

Our 15,000-square-foot flagship store opened its doors as a landmark destination in the City of San Gabriel, setting a new standard for luxury retail in the region. The building’s design and architecture, inspired by the elegance of Geneva, reflects a blend of timeless sophistication and modern innovation.

Inside, the store offers a state-of-the-art luxury environment built to the highest international standards. Each brand is given a generously dedicated space to showcase its unique identity, allowing for an immersive, premium brand experience that caters to the expectations of our most discerning clients.

In 2024

We are proud to announce the grand opening of Larchmont Jewelers—your new destination for unmatched luxury and precision, located in the heart of Hollywood and Los Angeles. At Larchmont Jewelers, we offer more than fine timepieces and jewelry—we offer a curated experience where timeless elegance meets exceptional craftsmanship.

Every detail of our boutique has been designed to reflect the highest standards of sophistication and service. We invite you to step into a world where each moment is thoughtfully crafted, and where time is celebrated as life’s most precious luxury.

In 2024

We are proud to share that Hing Wa Lee Jewelers has been named Independent Watch Retailer of the Year 2024—one of the most prestigious and competitive honors in the industry. This award recognizes the passion, excellence, and dedication of America’s finest independent watch retailers.

Receiving this distinction is a true testament to our commitment to exceptional service, our deep appreciation for fine watchmaking, and the loyalty of our valued clients. We are incredibly grateful for your continued support and trust.

As we celebrate this milestone, we remain dedicated to offering an unparalleled selection of timepieces and a luxury experience that exceeds expectations.