JNA July/August 2022 | 35 设计 With a vivid history spanning more than 5,000 years, China is a rich source of inspiration for artists, writers and jewellery designers. Traditional Chinese cultural philosophies such as “Tai Chi” and the “Five Elements” are among the most widely interpreted in creative applications. In jewellery, the core idea of the Five Elements and Tai Chi (Yin Yang), which is to foster harmony among the many different aspects of life and unity between humanity and nature, has been reinforced time and again to produce meaningful jewellery collections. China-based Gao Qianqian is among a rising group of new-generation jewellery designers who are infusing their contemporary designs with cultural and philosophical concepts. Gao recently launched a series of jewellery pieces inspired by the Five Elements as a way to honour this ancient Chinese philosophy and to bring good luck to the wearer. According to this theory, everything in the world emanates and is made from the five elements: Metal, wood, water, fire and earth. It is often viewed as a basic way to understand the world and everyone's journey in life, which revolve around the interaction of these five elements. Each individual is also a mixture of these elements, and to be truly healthy and fulfilled, a balance needs to be achieved. “Almost everyone is born without one or two elements. He or she is supposed to wear a jewellery piece symbolising the missing element to compensate and reach equilibrium," explained Gao. “My Five Elements series appeals to everyone because it is very personal.” The complementary relationship between people and jewellery can be fully realised as people establish themselves through their jewellery. In this way, jewellery becomes more valuable to the wearer, she continued. The jewellery collection includes pendants, pins, rings and bracelets, among others. The Five Elements are represented by a wide variety of design elements, including colours, paintings, symbols, calligraphies and other materials, and further characterised by infinite design combinations for personalisation. ‘Magpie on the Tip of the Branch of the Plum’ coral pin in 18-karat gold with diamonds “喜上梅梢”18K金镶钻珊瑚胸针 ‘The Wind Surfer’ coral pin in 18-karat gold with diamonds “乘风”18K金镶钻珊瑚胸针
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