The Unique Global Journeys of Chinese Jewellery Designers
Yiru Zhang: Jewellery Art Through the Lens of Engineering
London, a city where art and fashion converge, has nurtured singular creative voices like Yiru Zhang. With a background in engineering, Yiru approaches jewellery with a unique perspective grounded in structural aesthetics. After studying Gemmology and Material Technology at China University of Geosciences, she moved to the UK to continue her education at the Royal College of Art in London, marking the start of her cross-cultural artistic journey.
Yiru’s artistic exploration began with the rigorous logic of engineering. She channels this mindset into her jewellery design, particularly in her experiments with multifunctionality and modular structures. Her work has drawn attention at events such as the London Design Festival and Fashion Week. To her, jewellery is not only a visual expression but also a vessel for emotional resonance and metaphorical inquiry, often reflecting deeper contemplation on everyday life.
In 2021, Yiru launched her own jewellery brand, Alsolike, in London. The brand reflects her vision of merging engineering aesthetics with contemporary jewellery art. At Alsolike, she not only showcases her own pieces but also actively supports independent designers—especially those from China—bringing diverse aesthetics to audiences in the UK and beyond.
Haozhe Chang: Jewellery as Comfort and Emotional Expression
Haozhe Chang is a passionate Chinese jewellery designer whose works are inspired by daily life—simple in form yet rich in meaning. After completing an undergraduate degree in biopharmaceutical sciences in China, her growing passion for jewellery led her to pursue design studies abroad.
Following three years in Italy, Haozhe shifted her focus to the UK to deepen her understanding of British culture and jewellery design. Her design philosophy revolves around exploring the psychological states of specific groups, using jewellery to provide comfort and support. In her project Checkermate, for example, she aims to trigger nostalgic memories through interactive design as a way to alleviate anxiety caused by information overload in today’s digital world.
In addition to her practical experience at Milan Fashion Week, Haozhe has worked as a vintage jewellery buyer and served as a curator for the London Design Festival. Her multicultural background and hands-on experience enrich her designs with deep cultural insight and exceptional craftsmanship.
Yumeng Wu: Jewellery Narratives Across Cultures
Yumeng Wu is a jewellery artist and silversmith who grew up in China and studied in both the US and the UK. Her work stems from personal observation, using jewellery to tell stories and express emotions. She invites audiences to reflect on memory and release emotions through her pieces, offering a sense of emotional healing.
After earning her degree in jewellery design from California College of the Arts, Yumeng continued her studies in the UK at London College of Fashion, part of the University of the Arts London, focusing on fashion artefacts. Her practice seeks a balance between fashion and fine art, and her cross-cultural background gives her work a distinctive lens and profound insight.
Her creations are not merely ornamental—they serve as a means of artistic expression. Through jewellery, Yumeng explores themes such as identity, memory, and emotional complexity, bridging the personal and the universal.
Each of these designers brings her own story and artistic vision, shaped by diverse cultural experiences and international education. Their work is not only a reflection of personal journeys but also a thoughtful engagement with broader cultural and societal issues. Through their stories, we gain a deeper understanding of the creative forces behind Chinese contemporary jewellery—and how they are reshaping its presence on the global stage.
