Leading international diamond producer Rio Tinto has launched a new initiative in China to promote its gems in this burgeoning market for diamonds and diamond accessories. A creative collaboration between Rio Tinto and five local and international Chinese jewellery designers titled "The Fashion of Diamonds", it has resulted in 13 new collections of diamond jewellery, which were unveiled for the first time in Shanghai this week.
The five designers who collaborated with Rio Tinto - Fei Liu, Zhong Hua, Aya Kamimura, Wen Wei Tong and Yolanda Huang Chao Yan - have put their own stamp on the jewels, incorporating them into fashionable designs that sparkle with diamonds from Rio Tinto's Argyle mine in Australia.
From the geometric jewels of Wen Wei Tong, part of the 'Pattern Play' collection, to Zhong Hua's vintage-style Victoriana ring and necklace, the jewels are designed to appeal to a variety of tastes and create opportunities for diamond purchasing in China beyond the traditional solitaire engagement ring. The designer Huang Chao Yan has incorporated more overt references to Chinese culture in her jewels, including pretty Origami and Blessing pendants.
"The time is perfect for introducing these stunning new fashion jewellery collections," says Rita Maltez, Manager of Rio Tinto Diamond's Greater China Representative Office. "They are inspired by notions of nature, romance, shapes and patterns and are symbolic of a new era in China's jewellery industry - one that will be more design-driven than ever.
A selection of jewels have already been featured in 'Harper's Bazaar Jewellery China'.
