Kar Liu, the founder of MAISON LUMIERE, has a background in economics, gemology, and jewelry design. He has worked for the French Consulate and leading heavy industry companies in North Africa and India. After his return to China, he taught himself about commodities and metalwork and now seeks to integrate the cultural experiences and traditions that he has observed across the globe into his jewelry designs.

In 2016, Kar Liu founded MAISON LUMIERE – "MAISON" refers to "a design house that focuses on craftsmanship and inheritance" while "LUMIERE" translates to the act of "illuminating traditional heritage using modern modes of expression". The brand has since become one of the leading jewelry empires in China known for combining oriental heritage with modern designs.

Kar Liu became a contract designer for Palace Culture and National Treasure IP with Beijing's Forbidden City and has since released a Forbidden City masterpieces series. An active designer presenting at Shanghai Fashion Week, public figures such as Wang Junkai, Dong Xuan, Yuan Yawei, Yang Chaoyue, and Meng Meiqi have all worn Kar's designs.