Connecting Jewellery with Art and Social Issues
In London—a city brimming with innovation and artistic energy—Selina (Mingjie) Yang has garnered attention for her unique approach to jewellery design. Her creations are not only visually refined but also deeply emotive, weaving rich personal narratives into elegant forms.
Since relocating to London in 2018, Selina has devoted herself to the study and creation of jewellery. Drawing inspiration from her cultural background and personal experiences, her work often explores themes of identity, rebirth, and self-empowerment. She strives to balance visual aesthetics with emotional resonance—a vision embodied vividly in her series My Body My Right.
This collection transforms the female form and individual characteristics into wearable art, using jewellery to convey confidence and strength. Through these pieces, Selina advocates for the right of every individual to define their own appearance and encourages women to express their true selves with pride. She developed a unique technique she calls “vintage jewellery fabric”—not a textile in the traditional sense, but a sculptural surface created using vintage jewellery, pearls, and metal chains, crafted through a combination of traditional metalwork and 3D technology. This tactile technique reinforces the collection’s core message: that women should reclaim control over their bodies and embrace self-recognition. The project reflects on how female identity is shaped within societal contexts and urges women to embrace their own beauty, free from imposed standards.
My Body My Right (Photography: Rossella Damiani)
Alongside My Body My Right, another key work in Selina’s practice is Again Vase, which also utilises her vintage jewellery fabric technique. Inspired by the silhouette of a traditional vase, this piece reimagines the form through a contemporary lens. Merging traditional craftsmanship with 3D design, the work preserves fine artisanal detail while introducing modern innovation.
The vase-shaped jewellery is more than a decorative object—it symbolises rebirth. The base represents the cyclical nature of life and transformation, while the open top suggests receptiveness to new opportunities and hope. Through Again Vase, Selina conveys the belief that even after hardship or loss, one can rediscover inner strength and begin again.
Again Vase (Photography: Birute Paukstyte)
Selina’s work has been showcased in multiple exhibitions and received widespread acclaim. Her designs captivate not only through form but also through the emotional narratives they carry, demonstrating her exceptional talent and originality. More importantly, they reflect her commitment to bridging the worlds of art and social commentary through jewellery.
To Selina, jewellery is more than artistic creation—it is a medium of emotional expression and cultural critique. She hopes her work inspires reflection on the meaning of life, encourages resilience in the face of adversity, and helps people find their own path to renewal. Her practice brings new vitality and depth to jewellery design, illuminating the profound connection between art and lived experience.
