Pauline Yang
May 27th, 2025
CENTUM: A Century of Design in a
Single Ring
Celebrating our 100th ring with designer & CEO, Jay
At Hiddenspace Jewelry, every piece is part of a greater conversation—a dialogue between form and feeling, between architecture and emotion. Our 100th ring, CENTUM, marks a milestone not just in number, but in meaning. It is the culmination of years spent refining a design language rooted in elegance, contrast, and intention. And it is, without a doubt, our boldest statement yet.
To commemorate this special moment, we sat down with Hiddenspace founder and designer Jay to talk about the story behind CENTUM—from the pressure of designing a landmark piece, to the calm clarity that ultimately defined it.
CENTUM is such a powerful name. Why did you choose it for your 100th ring?
“Centum means ‘100’ in Latin, and I felt it was the perfect name to mark this milestone. For me, it’s not just about the number—it’s a symbol of everything I’ve poured into my work up to this point: the evolution of my design language, the stories I’ve been fortunate to help tell through jewelry, and the trust built with each customer along the way. CENTUM represents both a moment of reflection and a bold step toward what’s next.”
How did you approach the design process differently for this milestone piece?
“With CENTUM, I allowed myself to slow down. I wasn’t chasing novelty—I was chasing clarity. I wanted the design to feel intentional in every way. I revisited the values that shaped HIDDENSPACE: structure, elegance, subtle tension. I wanted this ring to carry all of that, but with a deeper calm—like something that’s been quietly waiting to exist.”
The diamond cut in CENTUM is entirely unique. Can you tell us about it? What makes it special?
“The pear diamond at the center of CENTUM was custom-cut for this piece. I didn’t want a stone that just fit the setting—I wanted a stone that led the design. Its elongated pear shape draws the eye forward. There’s movement, direction, and strength in that geometry. It’s unexpected, yet balanced—just the way I like it.”
Hiddenspace has always been about refined design and storytelling. What story does CENTUM tell?
“To me, CENTUM is a story of growth. Not loud or dramatic—but steady, persistent growth. It’s about the journey from the very first sketch to the 100th design. It holds the weight of every mistake, every breakthrough, every small decision that brought me here. And it also honors the people who’ve supported my work along the way—those who saw beauty in the details.”
Were there any hidden or symbolic details you incorporated into the ring?
“Since this was the 100th design, I wanted it to feel more representative of the brand—something that carried a sense of presence and weight. The images that came to mind were royalty, crowns, and forms that convey subtle power without being overly ornate. I didn’t want it to feel too feminine or too masculine, but rather balanced—strong yet refined.
I focused on combining bold lines with finer, more delicate ones, and carefully placed diamonds to create harmony within that contrast. The negative space in the design plays an important role too—it adds a sense of modernity and lightness, which is a core element of HIDDENSPACE. Unlike traditional engagement rings that rely solely on diamond coverage, I believe intentional openness can say just as much, if not more.”
How does CENTUM reflect your personal evolution as a designer?
“In the early days, I designed with instinct and raw energy. It was emotional, reactive, sometimes chaotic. CENTUM reflects a more grounded version of myself. It’s still deeply personal, but it’s more refined—more edited. I’ve learned to trust silence, to give space in the design, and to let simplicity carry the weight. This ring is me, after years of learning when to add and when to hold back.”
What do you hope customers feel when they wear this ring?
“I hope they feel clarity. Confidence. A sense of quiet power. I designed it for someone who values meaning over flash, someone who sees beauty in the uncommon. I hope they feel like they’re wearing something that resonates with who they are becoming—not just who they’ve been.”
Looking back at the first ring you ever designed—how does CENTUM compare?
“I think the intention behind my very first design and this 100th piece has always been the same. The heart, the message I wanted to convey through the brand—it’s all been there from the beginning. The difference now is clarity. Back then, my ideas were raw and unfiltered, like thoughts still taking shape. With CENTUM, I feel like I’m finally able to express those same ideas with precision and purpose. If the first ring was a question, CENTUM feels more like an answer.”
What challenges did you face while creating this piece?
“When I decided to create my 100th design, I felt a heavy sense of pressure. I kept thinking—it has to be different, it has to be more special than anything I’ve made before. That mindset definitely pushed me further than usual. From the moment I chose the center diamond to the final stage of completing the design, I carried a deep desire for this ring to shine as part of HIDDENSPACE’s history for a long time.
The hardest part, honestly, was managing that pressure. Even the smallest details—ones that most people may never notice—felt significant to me. Because I love this brand deeply, and because every design carries a part of me, I couldn’t let anything go unfinished. I know that my jewelry becomes part of some of the most meaningful moments in people’s lives. That thought can be overwhelming at times, but it’s also what gives me the drive to keep creating with intention. So yes, it was challenging—but it was also deeply motivating.”
What’s next for Hiddenspace after reaching this 100th milestone?
“This moment made me realize how much more I want to explore. CENTUM isn’t a finish line—it’s a turning point. I’m working on expanding into lifestyle pieces that carry the same design language: daily jewelry, wedding gifts, maybe even home objects. I want HIDDENSPACE to grow in a way that still feels personal, thoughtful, and rooted in story. I’m excited for what’s next.”
With a custom elongated pear diamond, sculptural negative space, and perfectly poised proportions, CENTUM represents everything Hiddenspace stands for: elegance, restraint, and quiet strength. It is our most symbolic piece to date—and an invitation to the next chapter.
Crafted For Timeless Design - CENTUM
At Hiddenspace, Every Design Is a Chapter in a Larger Story
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Writer Pauline Yang. Photography Pauline Yang. All Photos property of HIDDENSPACE Jewelry.