On October 17, 2024, the Eastern YiXiang China Fashion Gala commenced in the vibrant Luohu District of Shenzhen, China, marking a significant event in the intersection of cultural tradition and contemporary design. The gala emphasized the infusion of traditional Chinese cultural elements into modern jewelry artistry, drawing attention to the strength of products as a catalyst for brand power in the Chinese and international jewelry industry.

The event featured over 40 jewelry companies, each unveiling collections that celebrated China’s rich cultural heritage through the lens of modern interpretations, popularly known as “Guochao” or China-chic fashion. This grand showcase presented a dazzling array of designs that embodied both historical charm and contemporary elegance.

The event was orchestrated under the supervision of significant local governmental bodies, including the Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, the Shenzhen Municipal Bureau of Commerce, and the People’s Government of Luohu District. It was co-organized by influential organizations such as the Shenzhen International Jewelry and Jade Trade Platform, the Shenzhen Gold and Jewelry Association, and the Shenzhen Gold and Jewelry Culture Research Association.

With a continued focus on the theme “National Charm and Chinese Splendor,” the Gala demonstrated this commitment through the awards presented, which recognized the innovative integration of traditional cultural expressions into contemporary jewelry design. The “Heavenly Craftmanship Ingenuity Award” was claimed by Xindean Jewelry, Yichuanjin Jewelry, Wanfu Jewelry, and Fenglixi Jewelry. Meanwhile, the “National Style New Charm Award” was bestowed upon Chow Tai Sang, Fenghui Jewelry, Jinhong Jewelry, Ganlu Jewelry, Dan Ni Xing Jewelry, CM Huimei Creative Design Co., Meiao Jin Family, Jindexin Jewelry, People’s Gold, Guoyu Jewelry, and Yan Fangze, Spelier Jewelry, Biluo Jewelry, Kimberly Diamond, Jiehui Jewelry, Yusheng Jewelry, ATELIER SALLY Jewelry. Atelier Priscilla Jewelry were honored with the “Glamourous Trend Award.” The “National Charm Treasure Award” recognized Dongfang Ruilu, Hongxiu Jewelry, Youyou Jewelry, Qilin Ruixiang, Kebi Jewelry, and The Emperor’s Gift. Finally, the “Craftsmanship Excellence Award” went to Mengjin Yuan, Zhouliufu, and Foshan Zhiwei.

Cao Yang, Chairman of 2024 Eastern YiXiang China Fashion Gala and president of Shenzhen Gold and Jewelry Culture Research Association commented in the welcoming speech of the Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony, “Guo Yun (national charm) embodies the deep essence of Chinese culture, while Hua Guang (Chinese Brilliance) showcases its captivating beauty. Together, they create the distinctive cultural allure of the Chinese nation, enriching the hearts of its people and inspiring global fashion. Tonight, we use fashion as our medium and culture as our soul to seamlessly merge Eastern aesthetics with modern design, offering a visual feast that transcends time and space. Let ancient spiritual symbols be reborn, traditional patterns come alive on the runway, and the world’s gaze return to this ancient yet youthful land.”

A key highlight of the Gala was the inaugural “Chinese Elements, World Expression” Jewelry Design Invitational Competition, an initiative aimed at globally expressing Chinese cultural elements. This contest attracted a vibrant mix of entries from independent designers and students from 38 prestigious design schools and institutions worldwide, fostering a rich exchange of creative ideas and cultural perspectives.

The competition’s esteemed judging panel brought together both international and domestic experts. International judges included Professor Barbara Brocchi from IED Istituto Europeo di Design; Monica Cecchini, founder and chairman of Rome Jewelry Week; Giorgia Zoppolato, Italian fine jewelry expert; Icaro Carlos, renowned jewelry designer, and Antonio Missiaggia, founder of the online jewelry brand Antonionjo. Domestic experts included Associate Professor Gong Ping from Shenzhen Polytechnic, Professor Huang Wei, doctoral advisor at Tsinghua University; Lin Hongyu, US-based Chinese jewelry artist; Ren Jin, Executive Deputy Director of the Jewelry Design Committee of the China Jewelry Association and Zheng Jing, President of Nanjing Academy of Arts and Design.

The top prize was awarded to Chinese designer Xu Jiaming, with Italian designer Alice Pietrantoni and South Korean designer Lee Jiyoung taking the second prize. Third prize recipients included Iranian designer Fatemeh Ammari Allahyari and Chinese designers Wang Ziting, Chen Kaiqi, and Guo Qiurong.

An “Attendees Overall Styling Award” was introduced to highlight the impact of jewelry on personal style and the essence of entrepreneurship in fashion. Xiong Bing (Sally), Executive Chairman of the China Fashion Gala event expressed optimism that Chinese jewelry will continue to captivate the global stage with its distinct charm and dynamic vitality.

Monica Cecchini, founder and president of Rome Jewelry Week, praised the Gala for its role in encouraging cross-cultural dialogue. She remarked, “The Eastern Yixiang China Fashion Gala is an exceptional platform for the convergence and mutual growth of Roman and Eastern jewelry cultures. It allows Italian designers to draw inspiration from Eastern jade traditions, while Eastern designers benefit from Italian metal engraving techniques, enriching the global jewelry culture.”

The event concluded with the 2024 Shuibei (Autumn) China Jewelry Industry Development Pragmatic Forum, held on October 18 in Shenzhen. This forum brought together industry leaders to explore innovation, brand development, and the future of the jewelry market. Notable discussions included insights from Monica Cecchini on the value of participating in such events and Margaret Li’s focus on building brand power. The forum addressed emerging trends and offered a platform for dialogue on the global supply chain and consumption trends of diamonds and gemstones.

The China-Italy Jewelry Design Forum emphasized the blending of Chinese and Western cultures, focusing on innovation and the potential for cross-field, cross-regional integration. With contributions from prominent figures like Zheng Jing and Icaro Carlos, the forum explored how to sustain the vitality of Chinese aesthetics in global integration.

As the event concluded, trade members believe that China’s jewelry industry’s future at the crossroads of history and innovation. With continued dialogue and collaboration, it is poised for higher-quality development, ready to lead more brands and enterprises toward a broader global presence.

This article was published and printed on Gem Spectrum print magazine Issue #2 Winter 2025, page 38. Please browse the Flipbook below.