Herism Jewellery Collection

Press Kit

Unique Properties

The independent attitude and confident female image of 1960s – 1970s Chinese "Iron Girls" suffuses this collection of pieces, bridging this energy into the new generation of contemporary urban Chinese career women. Exploiting technological advances in the manufacturing of Chinese synthetic gemstones and with innovative setting too, Fan is keen to emphasise the potential of "green purchase", a more sustainable thinking within Chinese jewellery.

Dimensions & Packaging

Rings-Middle:16*15*35mm, Lower Right Ring:15*12*32mm, Upper Right:25*10*30mm, Lower Left: 31*15*35mm, Upper Left:35*20*27mm, Earring:20*18*10mm, Bracelet:125*30*3mm, Brooch: 70*22*5mm

Tags

New Iron Girls, Female Power Inheritation, Female Symbol, Rings, Bracelet, Earrings, Brooch, Sustainable, Green Purchase, Lab-Grown Gemstones, History

Production Technology

Production Process: 3d digital modelling, 3d wax print, Casting, Model modification, Stone setting, Finishing; Material: Silver with gold plated, Lab-grown gemstones

Design Challenge

Realizing the design details was the big challenge, especially the stone setting and soldering the thin chains into the hollow structure with very limit space. It was through several experiences to figure out the best angle to set the stone into the metal body without any prongs in this collection which could reflect the insight of power.

Project Duration

The project started in October 2017 in London and finished in May 2019, and was exhibited in Central Saint Martins Degree Show in June 2019 and was awarded as Merit. In 2020, the project was invited to participate the opening exhibition in An+ Art&Design Museum Shenzhen, "Living Fantasy Young Designer Exhibition", by China Design Centre. The production was finished in China.

Operation Flow

Based on the historical background of Chinese iron girls in 1970s. It was a turning point that Chinese female started to get involve into workplace. The design combines the past (stone setting without prongs, bold shape, industrial structure evokes wearers the powerful and tough attitude of iron girls) and the present (flexible chains reflect multi social roles of female). It emphasises the experience and value of iron girls and bridges with the new iron girls. The jewellery for them is the symbol of female power.

Research

The research concentrated on the historical background of Chinese iron girls and the purchasing behavior of new career female from interview with iron girls, internship in Marie Claire China, case studies, books, journals, online articles and relevant market data. The research showed the potential of the group of target market and the sustainable purchase behaviour in jewellery market. All the research promoted the development of the project and completed the project in the academic way.

Inspiration

All the design ideas are inspired from the working tools used by the 1960s –1970s all women manual work brigades who helped build the bridges and roads that are the foundations of modern industrialised China. This jewellery collection offers new symbols of female power and self-determination, encouraging the contemporary young generation, Fan's peers, to pursue their personal values bravely.

Image Credits

Image1,3,4,5
Photographer: Fan Gao
Image 2
Photographer: Hang Zhang
Model: Syrain
Stylist: Fan Gao

Colors of Herism Jewellery Collection