The Gem of Life Television Series
The Gem of Life (Cantonese Jyutping: Jyu Gwong Bou Hei; Traditional Chinese: 珠光寶氣) is an 82-episode Hong Kong television drama broadcast by TVB. Originally known under the working title Jewel's Splendor, the series was directed by Chik Ki Yee and written by Chow Yuk Ming, Pao Wai Chueng, and Leung Man Wa. The series aired from October 20, 2008, to February 13, 2009, occupying the Monday through Friday 21:30 to 22:30 time slot previously held by the drama Last One Standing.
Plot
Pak Siu-Yau (Louise Lee) views her three daughters as precious diamonds, believing that marrying into wealthy families constitutes the ultimate blessing for a woman. To secure this future, she trains them from a young age. Her eldest daughter, Hong Nga-Yin (Maggie Siu), disagrees with these values but eventually pursues a relationship with the well-off Ko Cheung-Shing (Bowie Lam). The second daughter, Hong Nga-Tung (Gigi Lai), is romantic yet unlucky in romance, leading Siu-Yau to match her with Ho Zit-Nam (Moses Chan), son of tycoon Ho Fung (Elliot Ngok). The youngest daughter, Hong Nga-Sze (Ada Choi), recently divorced, sets her sights directly on Ho Fung. As the daughters secure wealthy matches, they gradually confront the emotional costs of vanity.
Cast
The series features an extensive ensemble cast portraying the central family members and associates:
- Louise Lee as Pak Siu-Yau
- Maggie Siu as Hong Nga-Yin
- Gigi Lai as Hong Nga-Tung
- Ada Choi as Hong Nga-Sze
- David Chiang as Hong Ching-Yeung
- Bowie Lam as Ko Cheung-Shing
- Elliot Ngok as Ho Fung
- Moses Chan as Ho Zit-Nam
- Linda Chung as Sung Chi-Ling
- Bosco Wong as Shek Tai-Chuen
- Eddie Kwan as Chan Kai-Fat
- Rebecca Chan as Yan Wai-Ting
- Kenny Wong as Yau Yat-Tung
- Wong He as Shek Tai-Wor
- Queenie Chu as Man Wai
- Chan Hung Lit as Sung Sai-Man
Broadcast and Viewership
The series premiered on October 20, 2008, and concluded on February 13, 2009, spanning a total of 82 episodes. Weekly average viewership points fluctuated during its run, opening with an average of 32 points for the first two episodes and peaking at 37 points. Later weeks saw average ratings range between 25 and 30 points, with the final week averaging 29 points and peaking at 35 points.