Chinoiserie is an eclectic style in European art, design, and architecture with references to Chinese culture. It emerged in France in the mid-17th century and quickly took hold in other European countries such as Germany and England. In the 18th century, it became synonymous with luxury.
With China's integration with the global economy, chinoiserie has seen a revival in recent years. Is it possible to transfer this fascinating style to the world of jewellery? I began my search for inspiration with an in-depth study of ancient Chinese art, as well as European chinoiserie. I then designed a unique ring.
The very shape of the piece is unusual, as if it comes from another era. The key element is a bird of paradise and a row of black diamonds set irregularly along the axis of the ring. Oriental floral and plant motifs were engraved on the flat surface. The negative space was then hollowed out to give the composition three-dimensionality. The final element was to fill it with enamel.
Enamel filling is a process that I would like to use more often in my work. This technique is extremely complex, requiring great care and many hours of work to achieve the desired effect. I used semi-transparent enamel. This treatment adds a beautiful contrast, creating a perfect example of chinoiserie from the red and gold composition.
