China’s top jadeite jade jewellery brand, Zhaoyi, joined the world’s top names in watches, jewellery, and precious stones, when the 43rd edition of Baselworld gets under way in March.
Since its inception, Zhaoyi has been working to make China’s ancient gold-jade culture a part of its brand DNA. As a self-proclaimed inheritor of Chinese cultural heritage, Zhaoyi has been exploring the rare art of filigree inlay work, a national intangible cultural heritage, by working with Bai Jingyi, a master craftsman and representative inheritor of the art. Zhaoyi’s haute couture collection is a result of this partnership that aims to restore this millennium-old heritage to its former glory.
Zhaoyi’s “Imperial Classics” collection shined the light on not just its most representative filigree inlay haute couture works but also its new filigree inlay haute couture collection of 2015. The superb craftsmanship of these filigree works reminded European visitors of the jade robes of ancient China. A case in point is the piece entitled “Butterfly Dancing among Flowers.” The image of a butterfly dancing amid luxuriant flowers represents the beauty of nature as well as the pursuit of love. The “Y” shape of the jewellery piece speaks to a soothing yet vivid visual experience. Each individual element expresses the vigour and force of nature and infuses the piece with a wonderful dynamism. This is a jewellery piece that combines traditional aesthetics with modern design and international fashion.
In addition to the more popular green jadeite and black jadeite, with the latter popular with celebrities and the new rich, rare, colourless icy type jadeite is one of the most coveted jewellery types that Zhaoyi has on display at Baselworld. As originator of the craze for colourless, icy type jadeite, Zhaoyi has created the classic “cabochon” design of multicolour gemstone inlays. Influenced by Western design philosophy, oriental jadeite is no longer an inanimate object. A pure, sparkling central stone surrounded by outstanding jewellery designs and inlaying techniques speak of a fashionable style of delicacy and liveliness.
The debut at Basel marks an important milestone in Zhaoyi’s history. But there is still a long journey ahead, and Zhaoyi continues to pursue a splendid vision.
