Anew: Redefining Jade Jewellery

Xiaonan Zhang's Innovative Approach to Traditional Jade Accessories

The 'Anew' collection stands out in the jade jewellery market, which is currently dominated by "millennium style" pieces. Zhang's designs are not about jade itself, but rather the unique interplay between the jade stone and the ring band. This innovative approach opens up new possibilities for future jade jewellery development.

Zhang's designs are inspired by the underground youth culture and Bonsai aesthetics philosophy. The designer deconstructed antique rings, which feature mounted jade stones, to explore the relationship anew between the jade stone and the band. The jade used in the collection is primarily sourced and treated in Ruili, China. The precise results challenged the craftsmen and pushed the boundaries of jade carving.

The creation of the 'Anew' collection involved jade carving, wax carving, and casting in metal. The rings come in two sizes: a small diamond-shaped pattern measuring 28*20*15 (mm) and a larger diamond-shaped pattern measuring 28.5*20*15 (mm). The unisex designs reflect a confident, edgy, artistic, and carefree lifestyle, making them perfect for everyday wear.

The 'Anew' collection was developed over a period of two years, from October 2016 to June 2018, in London. The jade sourcing and carving were completed in Ruili, China. The design process involved extensive research into the historical value of jade, the market, and the techniques used in jade processing.

One of the main challenges in creating the 'Anew' collection was carving the jade pieces to fit the diamond-shaped grooves on the rings’ surface perfectly. Due to the irreparability of jade, the parts needed exact work to achieve the curves, thickness, and sharp tips. This collection is a testament to the designer's dedication to pushing the boundaries of traditional jade jewellery design.

For his innovative approach to jade jewellery, Zhang was awarded the Silver A' Jewelry, Eyewear, and Watch Design Award in 2019. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation. Zhang's 'Anew' collection certainly fits this description, offering a fresh and innovative perspective on traditional jade jewellery.