Moonshine: A Fusion of Art and Jewelry

Xinyi Liu's Award-Winning Design Inspired by Iconic Japanese Art

Xinyi Liu's "Moonshine" is not just a piece of jewelry; it's a wearable work of art. The design was inspired by the dynamic movements of the waves in Katsushika Hokusai's painting, "The Great Wave off Kanagawa." Liu used sapphires to represent the ocean's tones, with light and dark blue stones capturing the depth and variation of the sea. The pear-shaped yellow sapphire, symbolizing the moon, adds a touch of Chinese culture to the design, where the moon often signifies reunion and good memories.

The earrings are crafted from 18K gold, colored sapphires, and diamonds, making them not only visually stunning but also of high quality. The pear-shaped yellow sapphire dangles in the center of the circle, giving the earring a sense of movement. This design feature, coupled with the high-quality stones, sets these earrings apart from other designs.

The creation of "Moonshine" involved a meticulous process of selecting the right materials and achieving the perfect size for the earrings. Liu's research into the painting and Japanese culture, as well as the careful selection of multicolored sapphires, contributed to the final design. The earrings measure 16mm in diameter, with a hook length of approximately 5mm, making them a versatile piece that can complement both evening dresses and everyday wear.

The design project, which took place in China, spanned from June to July 2018. Despite the challenges of selecting the right color of stones and achieving the proper size for the earrings, Liu successfully created a piece that embodies traditional Asian culture and the dynamic beauty of the ocean.

The "Moonshine" earrings have received recognition for their innovative design and high-quality materials. In 2019, the design was awarded Silver in the A' Jewelry, Eyewear, and Watch Design Award. This prestigious accolade is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise, innovation, and artistic skill, and that evoke positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.

In conclusion, Xinyi Liu's "Moonshine" earrings are a testament to the power of art and culture in inspiring unique, high-quality designs. By fusing elements from a renowned Japanese painting with traditional Chinese symbolism, Liu has created a piece of jewelry that is not only beautiful but also rich in meaning and cultural significance.