Meet the Maker - Qiang Li

Our latest ring exhibition; 'Eclectic' features visionary works by nine renowned designers, each one specially chosen at the prestigious Goldsmith's Fair. Discover rings that celebrate jewellery as a form of personal decoration. Each week we interview one of the designers to learn a little bit more about them and the inspirations behind their work

This week we speak to Qiang Li whos collection "Dim Sum Cha" features hand carved food details crafted from silver with gold-plating and intricate details made from Jade and Pearls. Her memories of a childhood fascination with jewellery; collecting and caring for these treasures resonates so deeply with us and the care and attention translates throughout this playful collection.

When your jewellery making journey begin?

I was always fascinated by jewelry as a child and I still remember when I was about five or six years old I saw a pair of my mom's earrings, I don't know what the stones on the earrings maybe like Ruby or something but I just couldn't take my eyes off them and I put them in a little box and it's like they're on the little bed and also I found some tissue to put on them as their quilt, treat them as my babies. Even when I woke up at Midnight, I got up to see my babies. I think since then I've realized I really liked the blingbling stuff. And when I was 10 years old I got my first present of jewelry it’s a necklace made of the crystal beads it’s this one I'm still wearing now because I love it. and I think after that I always collected different types of bees and make them into bracelets or necklaces and I found I really enjoyed making also I tried different kinds of materials like paper or cloth to make the gifts for my family and friends.

Who inspires you the most? (No rules here, other jewellers, artists or even family & friends)

I’m influenced by the Steven Jobs’ quotes ' People don't know what they want until you show it to them. He inspired me to explore uncertain things.

Where did you find inspiration for the rings in the exhibition, tell us a little bit about each one if you can?

I am inspired by travelling and experiencing different cultures. I love all the different foods and their unique flavours. I feel that food and jewellery share many of the same emotional connections of desire and enjoyment. The collection I am debuting is called ‘Muesli’, which is my favourite breakfast and breakfast is my favourite meal – I do love a full English but couldn’t have one every day, this type of breakfast really shows differences in ideas between Chinese and English cultural backgrounds.

If you weren’t a jeweller what would choose as a career?

An industrial designer or university tutor.

Please can you tell us a little bit about your creative process?

My process of making starts with a lot of visual research that I put into my sketchbook. Looking at all the foods always makes me hungry!! I then start developing some initial ideas and sketches and do hand-coloured renderings. While some of my works are hand fabricated, this collection has been modelled on the computer and then 3D printed. I like to check them after they are printed in wax or resin to check the quality of the model and the details of the design. Once happy they are cast. Then filed and finished, polished and plated, oxidised or enamelled to highlight the features of the jewellery.

Sounds of the Studio - what are you listening to? We’d love to hear about podcasts recommendations/ studio playlists/ the sounds that motivate you?

I like to listen modern music and lots of music I liked when I was a teenager.

What’s next for you and your brand?

My next collection will be “Baby toy” collection inspired by my baby girl, she is 9 months now, I am fascinated by her playful toys and would like to see how interesting when they become jewellery.

Which is your favourite piece you’ve ever made?

I love all my pieces, but my favourite is always my next piece.

Finally, for fun, what would be your dream piece to make or person to make for?

I have a favourite Chinese idol her name is Yifei Liu, I would be so happy to make a piece for her.

Browse the Exhibition