Chia Yun Wei (Nicky) began her studies in art and design at the age of 18 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.  For a brief time, her studies were focused on architecture and industrial design.  But, eventually her attention shifted to graphic design and metalsmithing.  After completing her degree at National University of Kaohsiung, she pursued further studies in jewelry manufacturing at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles, CA.