Friday, 11th November 2005 (4108 views)

Top Chinese jewellery designers showcased their art in Beijing last weekend at the fourth China Jewellery Contest.

Chinese commentators have dubbed it the jewellery equivalent of the Oscars, with 48 jewellers handed awards for exceptional designs.

Industry experts say the event - which drew in 2,000 participants - represents a great opportunity for Chinese designers, who have rarely enjoyed a high level of exposure.

"The contest shows the strong spirit of innovation of young jewellery designers," Sun Fengmin, the secretary-general of Chinese Jewellery Association, told Beijing Weekend.

Liu Heng scooped a first prize in accessories with a design combining the shapes of bamboo slips and pearls.

The winner of the necklace division also consulted Chinese customs for inspiration by incorporating a "pipa" - a Chinese string instrument - into the design.

After seeing jewellery consumption rocket from 800 million yuan to 80 billion yuan between 1980 and 2001, China is set to be the world's biggest jewellery market by 2010.

 

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