Culture is an art you can wear (2)

"We grew up influenced by both Chinese and Western culture. It's very interesting to reflect our experiences through jewelry design," she says.

With more than 100 pieces on show, the designers amply display their attitudes toward contemporary jewelry design.

"Chinese students mirror how international design cultures are evolving," says Simon Fraser, course leader, MA Design: Ceramics, Furniture, Jewelry of Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design.

He points out that for some, their Chinese heritage is a source of inspiration and fascination and they have a desire to celebrate it. For others, global concepts or approaches and new technologies are the focus as they are more inspired to develop visions for future worlds that are emerging.

That world vision has allowed many of the students to come up with unique designs.

Yang Jing, who has 26 necklaces displayed at the exhibition, has presented a selection of works inspired by different cultures. The 24-year-old graduate from the London College of Fashion, created her necklaces from beads bought from different countries while traveling.

One of her necklaces, called Princess of Qing Dynasty, was her first piece made during her sophomore year. Mainly made from Chinese beads bought from Jingdezhen, Yang was inspired by a television series set in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Another piece, Queen of Knossos, was inspired by the site of Knossos in Greece, while it was the lights in nightclubs that were mirrored in a necklace called Party Queen.

"More and more Chinese consumers are understanding that they can express themselves through their jewelry," Fraser says.

Although contemporary Chinese jewelry design may be young in a global sense, the country's centuries-old understanding of creating valuable and beautiful objects is the background of the new designs.

"Today, all over the world, new jewelry cultures are emerging. It will be exciting to see what the young graduates in this exhibition will go on to achieve," Fraser says.

The exhibition will run until May 30.

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