A rising star in the silver jewellery sector, Sissi Li majored in jewellery design at Singapore’s Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and later acquired a master’s degree in fashion marketing from the Glasgow Caledonian University in the UK. Li shares her journey as a jewellery designer in this story.

Why did you choose silver jewellery as an aesthetic expression?

I am interested in fashion so I chose fashion marketing as a postgraduate degree, in addition to my undergrad course. In London, I interned at Thomas Sabo for half a year and gained new perspectives. For instance, I learned that fashion accessories can go beyond gold, jade or other conventional metals and materials. Many foreign jewellery brands have entered China recently and exposed Chinese consumers to unique fashion accessories. However, China in general still places value on traditional metals. I chose silver as my main material because it is well-recognised and has a long history
in China.

You grew up in Hubei province, studied in Singapore and London, and put up a business in Shenzhen. How do these cities inspire your designs?

Hubei province’s Xiangyang is an ancient city. Its traditional boutiques that line old city streets are reminiscent of my childhood. Beloved hammered silver jewellery such as small silver bangles were influential in my artistic journey. Singapore meanwhile melds tradition and modernity. Its 'nyonya' culture places emphasis on handicrafts. Being exposed to handmade apparel and gold jewellery made me realise that craftsmanship is the cornerstone of a good design. Living in the UK, a global fashion capital and home to many independent designers, taught me the importance of clearly expressing myself through
my designs.

An advanced degree in fashion marketing equipped me with the ability to express my thoughts effectively, and to sense, predict and grasp international trends. Shenzhen, as China's jewellery hub, is the most ideal place to start my business and develop a
local brand.

What is the breakthrough that you want to achieve as a young designer?

My main responsibility at present is to understand the needs of the domestic market and identify fashion marketing opportunities while leading a young designer team. My post-90s colleagues and I want to address the lack of everyday jewellery in the market. We believe that jewellery is just as vital as clothes and other accessories. The concept of daily jewellery resonates with young people more easily.

What inspired your X0, DUKE and NOT FOUND Collections?

The main design element in the X0 Collection is X and 0. Any number multiplied by zero is zero. We want young people to have an "empty cup mentality" – only with an open mind can optimism and success be achieved.

The inspiration for DUKE was the courageous French bulldog. French bulldogs are popular among nobles in Europe. The designs are geometrical, giving the pieces a three-dimensional feel. This is also meant to inspire a fearless and tough attitude. NOT FOUND was inspired by the concept of stealthy ninjas. With a sword in hand, a ninja calmly deals with any situation. The collection also represents young people who are self-disciplined.

What message does your silver jewellery brand, Jass Look, want to deliver?

I met a Jass Look investor in Shenzhen who acknowledged my vision and invited me to be the brand manager. The brand conveys a vibrant attitude and energy through jewellery. Every piece of Jass jewellery has a soul, which pertains to young people's diversity, positivity and openness. We don't only focus on the appearance of the jewellery, but the positive energy that it inspires.

Why were Jass Look's jewellery pieces recommended by the Silver Institute?

Professionalism is one of our competitive advantages. My design team and I are professionally skilled. We use lines and geometric shapes expertly, and these have met the aesthetic requirements of the institute. Our jewellery pieces stand out and are greatly favoured by consumers.

Which silver jewellery design trends will likely prevail in the next six to 12 months?

We foresee four big silver jewellery trends. By category, stacking long and short necklaces and big earrings with clean lines will be prevalent. Jewellery worn in fashion shows influences consumer decisions. Besides silver's pure and original colour, gold-plated silver will be mainstream due to the revival of retro styles. Silver jewellery designs need to be adorned with coloured gemstones. This year, trendy colours like coral red and turmeric yellow are preferred. Crossovers between designers and celebrities are also happening more and more. Chinese-inspired pieces, as well as those in neutral style, are also in demand. Lastly, accessories for men are in vogue. Young men are quite fashionable and have a unique take on clothes and accessories matching. Silver jewellery will become a powerful accessory for them.