Wei Lai, the designer behind Xuanru Jewelry, brings over a decade of expertise in the classical qipao (cheongsam) industry, where she crafted garments that transcend fashion, treating each piece as a true work of art. Her experience in designing qipao not only distinguishes her from other designers but also fuels her passion for combining classical aesthetics with a strong focus on sustainability. This fusion has become the hallmark of Xuanru Jewelry, blending Eastern elegance with the refinement of modern design.
Wei Lai believes that the qipao, since its popularity in the early 20th century, has developed its own natural yet deeply aesthetic set of rules for accessorizing. Earrings, rings, brooches, necklaces, and even buttons carried significant symbolic meaning and reflected the artistic sensibilities of the era. Chinese aesthetics tend to be reserved and understated, in contrast to the bold and expressive Western styles. This East-meets-West blending of ideas shaped how women in the Republic of China chose their accessories, with Art Deco jewelry becoming the dominant style for pairing with qipao during that period.
Through her research into the accessories of the Republic era, Wei Lai discovered that even then, there was an emphasis on environmental consciousness in jewelry-making. For instance, materials like glass were often used as substitutes for jade, and renewable plastics replaced ivory in decorative elements. This early awareness of sustainability inspired Wei Lai to adopt similar values in her own work.
In designing for Xuanru Jewelry, Wei Lai is equally committed to protecting non-renewable resources. She chooses lab-grown diamonds, gemstones, and enamel as the primary materials for her pieces, staying true to her belief in the balance of tradition and modernity. The phrase "古不乖时,今不流弊" (ancient without being out-of-date, modern without falling into trendiness) embodies her design philosophy, as she skillfully combines traditional Eastern motifs with the brilliance of lab-grown diamonds and other eco-friendly materials. The result is a jewelry collection that is not only deeply rooted in Eastern culture but also aligned with global sustainability trends.
Wei Lai's use of Chinese traditional patterns is a key element of her work. She views these motifs as a distillation of thousands of years of Chinese aesthetic principles. Each pattern carries symbolic significance, and when paired with modern materials like lab-grown diamonds, gemstones, and enamel, these designs achieve a harmony that reflects both contemporary art and a globalized aesthetic where East meets West.
As a certified designer with the AIDI International Smart Diamond Association, Xuanru Jewelry is part of a select group of independent Chinese jewelry brands that adhere to strict sustainability standards. Supported by AIDI and ebooom.com, a leading global jewelry supply chain service provider, Xuanru Jewelry is poised to bring China's lab-grown diamonds and eco-conscious designs to the global market, merging cultural heritage with the future of sustainable luxury.