In the world of high jewellery, not everyone is invited. It’s neither a quote from The Great Gatsby nor a preposterous remark from a disowned Royal family member. It was spoken by Taiwanese-American socialite and philanthropist Christine Chiu, a Netflix reality show Bling Empire star. And the statement is true not only for financial considerations but also for the significance of jewellery in modern society.
But what about Chinese jewellery? In Chinese culture, jewels are much more than statement accessories or status symbols; they also carry metaphorical and symbolic connotations. The cultural significance of high jewellery started in ancient Chinese society in the Neolithic age and has a deep social relevance today, making Shenzhen a possible capital.
China today is the second biggest country for gold demand after India, as Investopedia reports.
From China’s Silicon Valley to a fashion capital, even when it comes to high jewellery. What went down at the first China Fashion Gala in Shenzhen
This year, Shenzhen hosted its very first China Fashion Gala with a specific focus on jewellery
Shenzhen can be considered a fast-growing fashion capital in various branches of this industry (for more on this, read our recent article on why Shenzhen can emerge as China’s fashion capital, including high jewellery which always attracted international and Chinese talents. This year, the city hosted its very first China Fashion Gala with a specific focus on jewellery. The event served as a platform to exchange, integrate, and converge design knowledge to shape a new identity for Chinese jewellery.
The China Fashion Gala attracted jewellery professionals, editors, influencers and insiders from all over the world and presented the latest, most avant-garde pieces from a new wave of Chinese designers. It played an essential role in celebrating the country’s high level of creativity and craftsmanship in jewellery design, enhancing the international influence of China’s jewellery brands and showcasing the contemporary value of Zhōngguó’s traditional culture.
The Organisation Committee invited a delegation which included more than 35 opinion leaders as guests and judges, such as Ronny Totah, co-founder of GemGenève; Corentin Quideau, a famous consultant for luxury jewellery and watches firms; Donatella Zappieri, jewellery business consultant; Claudia Carletti Camponeschi, founder of High Jewellery Dream; Dalila Daffara, a luxury expert in strategy, events, PR & Communication; Amanda Triossi, an author, lecturer and independent jewellery expert specialising in Italian 20th brands, especially Bulgari; Laura Astrologo Porché, a journalist and editor at Celebre Magazine; Wallis Wong, a celebrated jewellery artist; Arianna Ariel Sorini, UG Program Leader and Tutor at Istituto Marangoni Shenzhen, and more.
The China Fashion Gala attracted jewellery professionals from all over the world, and its Organisation Committee invited a delegation which included more than 35 opinion leaders as guests and judges
An analogy between jewels and seasons
First prize in the Diamond category: Allove’s “Phoenix” Brooch
“Life Is Like Summer Flowers” was the theme of the event and competition, representing a longing expectation for the present and future of this booming industry.
First prize in the Jade and Pearl category: Tibetan National Jade’s “Dragon Travels the Four Seas”
Three chapters followed, symbolising the other seasons: “Autumn Water Girl”, “Winter Love Song”, and “Spring Flower Four Season” represented the natural cycle of life, as well as a new cycle of development in China’s jewellery industry.
First prize in the Gold Category: Jin Qilin’s “Hua Lin Peony”
First prize in the Gold Category: Jin Hong Jewellery’s “Rose Festival”
The gala had four rounds of awards, where the winners were selected through a comprehensive analysis based on various aspects like original design, artistic expression, cultural heritage, overall styling, and more. The winners are responsible for representing China and spreading the beauty of Oriental Imagery globally across the fashion industry.
First prize in the Gemstone category: Wallis Wong’s Brooch and Ring with Phoenix Seal
First price in the Best Overall Styling category: Hui Mei Jewellery Design’s “Seeking Plum in the Snow”
