A conspicuous colour option, an adorable yet novel shape and the ability to stand itself apart from traditional fei cui designs are the reasons behind the success of the ‘Toucan’ pendant which won the first runner-up in Open Group (Finished Jewellery) (Retail price under US$10,000) of the 2017 International Design Competition on Trendy Fei Cui Jewellery. The winning designer Wang Chinlin, Taiwan, said triangular fei cui reminded her of a toucan’s beak. Then, she started her journey of searching for fei cui and gemstones in the shapes of a toucan’s head, body and tail. She attempted to convey a message through her design that giving a wonderful living environment to the next generation is our responsibility. The winning piece carries a concept of ecological preservation and environmental protection. She hopes this splendid and stunning bird can live in harmony with both humans and nature.
Jewellery tells stories, creating history
Wang Chinlin is a frequent winner of the jewellery design competitions in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. She won the first place in the first China (International) Pearl Jewelry Design Competition in 2016 and a prize in the professional finished jewellery category of the International Creative Jewellery Design Competition in 2017. She was also invited to participate in numerous design exhibitions in Taipei, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, etc. She graduated from the department of traditional painting in National Taiwan University of Arts and studied in France for two years, which put her into the mixing bowl of eastern and western aesthetics. Adding with her creative marketing strategies, her new designs always stun the audience.
She believes that ‘colour’ is the beginning of every creation. After colour, she will observe the shape of the gemstones and then decide how they can be applied to jewellery. Gemstones in vibrant colours and extraordinary shapes are her favourites as they can unleash her imagination which gives gemstones a brand new look. As it is hard to acquire precious gemstones, the triangular fei cui she applied on the ‘Toucan’ pendant was a hard-earned treasure. Jewellery design is a medium for her to express emotions. She records her sentiments deep down through setting and hammering and shares them with others. It is such a wonderful affinity when her work ends up as an eternal collection for someone.
Various elements of traditional oriental cultures such as Zen and window grilles are widely adapted in jewellery design. Ancient techniques including cloissoné, kingfisher feather art and enamel are reinterpreted from a contemporary point of view for a new experience. As many jewellery brands and products have emerged with new perspectives and innovation across the strait, Wang Chinlin keeps moving in a hope to attract more buyers with her approachable and innovative jewellery set with precious gemstones. Besides making jewellery, she aspires to create her own style in future by establishing a clearer positioning and marketing model. (Text and photo courtesy: Jewelry World, Taiwan)
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