Interviews met Yi Xiong

The core idea behind this design is growth, continuity, and vitality.

Much of my work explores the energy found in nature through upward movement, organic lines, and compositions that feel as though they are still growing beyond their physical form. Rather than creating static jewelry, I aim to create pieces that feel alive.

This design was inspired by the emotional bond between a mother and daughter. Through the symbolism of Lily of the Valley, I explored how personal memories can be translated into contemporary fine jewelry through color, structure, and movement. The contrast between soft pink gemstones and the green-gold chrysoberyl creates a sense of optimism and renewal, while the elongated composition reinforces the idea of life continuously unfolding.

My goal was to create a piece that feels both emotionally meaningful and visually dynamic.

I wanted to move beyond traditional floral jewelry and explore how botanical elements could become part of a contemporary structure. The design balances softness and strength, femininity and movement.

Through the interaction of color, gemstone selection, and sculptural lines, I hoped to create a piece that feels optimistic, modern, and full of life while carrying a deeply personal narrative.

This design represents an important direction within my creative practice.

I plan to continue exploring themes of growth, memory, femininity, and emotional connection through future collection pieces and bespoke commissions. The project has inspired further research into how natural forms and personal stories can be translated into contemporary heirloom jewelry.

The project took approximately one month from concept development to final production.

Originally created as a bespoke piece and a gift for the client's mother, the timeline was accelerated compared to many of my other projects. Despite the shorter schedule, the final result maintained the level of craftsmanship, refinement, and emotional expression I envisioned from the beginning.

This design originated from a bespoke commission inspired by a client's relationship with her mother.

As our conversations developed, I became interested in translating that emotional connection into a contemporary jewelry language. Rather than creating a literal representation, I explored symbolism, color relationships, and botanical forms to express love, growth, and continuity in a timeless way.

The design is produced exclusively through ARIS Fine Studio.

As Design Director, I oversee the creative development of each piece from concept and gemstone selection through final production. The design remains part of the studio's evolving body of work and may continue to inspire future bespoke and collection pieces.

I have always been fascinated by the way jewelry can preserve memories and emotional connections.

Unlike many objects, jewelry becomes part of everyday life while carrying personal meaning. This project allowed me to explore how contemporary fine jewelry can communicate emotion through color, form, and craftsmanship rather than words.

Rather than being influenced by a specific designer, the project was primarily inspired by nature, contemporary sculpture, and botanical structures.

I studied the organic growth patterns of Lily of the Valley, color relationships found in nature, and contemporary jewelry forms that emphasize movement and spatial composition. My background in painting also strongly influences the way I approach color and visual balance.

The design is intended for individuals who value both emotional meaning and exceptional craftsmanship.

It appeals to collectors of contemporary fine jewelry, clients seeking bespoke heirlooms, and those who wish to commemorate meaningful relationships and milestones through wearable art.

What distinguishes this design is its ability to translate a deeply personal story into a contemporary fine jewelry language rather than relying on literal representation.

The piece combines chrysoberyl, Lily of the Valley, and subtle strawberry-inspired details within an elongated sculptural composition. These elements symbolize connection, growth, and continuity while maintaining a sophisticated and modern aesthetic.

The name was inspired by Lily of the Valley, the central motif of the design.

I have always been drawn to the flower's elegant upward growth and delicate bell-shaped blooms. Beyond its visual beauty, Lily of the Valley is often associated with renewal, devotion, and the return of happiness.

The flower's natural upward movement became the visual foundation of the entire composition. The name reflects both the botanical inspiration and the emotional narrative embedded within the work.

My process always begins by hand.

I spent time sketching different compositions, proportions, and botanical forms on paper, exploring how the flowers, gemstones, and structural elements could interact with one another. This stage is where most of the creative experimentation happens.

Once the overall direction felt right, I moved into digital rendering and CAD development to refine the three-dimensional structure, gemstone placement, and technical details before production.

The most unique aspect is the sense of movement embedded within the composition.

The design extends upward through botanical forms and flowing lines, creating a feeling of growth and vitality. Rather than functioning as decoration alone, the structure itself becomes part of the storytelling.

I developed the concept, gemstone direction, and overall design language.

I collaborated with CAD specialists and master jewelry craftsmen who assisted in translating the design into a wearable fine jewelry piece while preserving the original artistic vision.

Technology helped bridge the gap between concept and craftsmanship.

In addition to CAD development, we used advanced three-dimensional rendering technology to create highly realistic visualizations of the final piece. Compared to traditional CAD images, these renderings provide a much more accurate representation of gemstone colors, proportions, lighting, and overall visual impact.

This allowed both the client and the production team to better understand the design before manufacturing and resulted in a smoother development process.

The design was informed primarily by botanical and visual research.

I studied the natural growth patterns of Lily of the Valley, paying particular attention to the way the flowers extend upward and create a sense of movement. I also researched the form of ripening strawberries, especially the moment before the fruit naturally falls from the stem, which became an important reference for several sculptural details within the piece.

Understanding these organic structures helped me translate natural forms into a contemporary jewelry language while preserving their vitality and realism.

The biggest challenge was balancing creativity with time.

The client was based in London, while the piece was designed in New York and ultimately needed to be completed and delivered to Beijing within a limited timeframe. Coordinating design, production, and international logistics without compromising craftsmanship required careful planning throughout the process.

From a design perspective, this was also a new direction for me. I wanted to explore a more three-dimensional composition and incorporate strawberry-inspired elements in a way that felt refined and elevated rather than decorative or overly literal. Finding that balance while maintaining the elegance expected of fine jewelry was one of the most rewarding challenges of the project.

I felt this project represented many of the values that define my design practice: emotional storytelling, craftsmanship, natural inspiration, and contemporary fine jewelry.

The piece demonstrates how personal memories can be transformed into meaningful objects that are both artistic and wearable.

This project strengthened my understanding of how personal narratives can be translated into contemporary design without relying on literal representation.

It also helped me further develop my signature approach to combining color, movement, natural forms, and emotional storytelling within fine jewelry.

This design reflects a broader philosophy that guides my work at ARIS Fine Studio.

I believe jewelry has the unique ability to preserve memories, relationships, and milestones across generations. Through natural gemstones, contemporary forms, and meaningful storytelling, I strive to create pieces that function not only as objects of beauty but also as modern heirlooms that carry personal significance through time.

For me, the future of fine jewelry lies in the intersection of craftsmanship, emotion, and contemporary design.

I began studying sketching and oil painting at a young age. Long before I designed jewelry, I was fascinated by color, composition, and observation. I also grew up surrounded by vintage jewelry and old Polaroid photographs at home. I loved collecting memories, writing journals, and preserving meaningful moments, Today, those early interests remain at the heart of my work. As Design Director of ARIS Fine Studio in New York, I create contemporary fine jewelry that transforms memories, emotions, and personal milestones into modern heirlooms.

I love creating form.

What fascinates me most about jewelry is that such a small object can carry infinite meaning. A ring or pendant may only occupy a few centimeters, yet it can hold decades of memories, relationships, victories, transitions, and love.

That idea is what drew me to fine jewelry. Every bespoke project allows me to learn about someone's life, understand their story, and create a piece that can accompany them for generations.

I never imagined I would become a jewelry designer or build my own brand.

Toward the end of university, I noticed that many people were searching for careers where they could create impact. I realized that building something from zero—creating both artistic and commercial value—was the most meaningful impact I could imagine.

Looking back, design was always present in my life. I simply found the medium that felt most natural to me.

I design contemporary fine jewelry inspired by nature, personal memories, and emotional storytelling.

In the future, I would love to create more collectible high jewelry pieces and immersive experiences that combine jewelry, nature, architecture, and narrative design.

Protect your curiosity.

Many young designers spend too much time comparing themselves to others. Instead, they should spend more time observing, experimenting, and developing their own visual language.

Your perspective is ultimately more valuable than any trend.

A good designer creates beautiful objects.

A great designer creates a recognizable way of seeing the world.

People may forget individual pieces, but they remember a designer's perspective.

Good design balances beauty, meaning, and longevity.

For me, the best designs continue revealing new details over time. They are emotionally resonant, visually distinctive, and remain relevant years after they were created.

Good design enriches everyday life.

It transforms ordinary objects into meaningful experiences. In jewelry, good design creates an emotional connection that often becomes more valuable over time.

A well-designed piece becomes part of a person's story.

I would create a large-scale project exploring how memories, emotions, and nature shape human identity.

It would be designed for people who value craftsmanship, individuality, and emotional connection.

I dream of creating a series of hidden garden spaces around the world—places where jewelry, nature, storytelling, and community exist together.

Each space would feel like stepping into the world behind my designs.

Paying attention.

Most of my ideas come from small moments that others overlook: the best espresso martini on a neighboring street in New York, fallen leaves in Central Park, a pet's habit, or a conversation with a client.

The smallest details often contain the most powerful stories.

Dior High Jewelry has influenced my appreciation for color, craftsmanship, and storytelling.

I am also deeply inspired by Claude Monet's paintings. His ability to capture atmosphere, light, and fleeting moments continues to influence how I think about color relationships in gemstones.

I admire work that feels personal rather than trend-driven.

Whether it is architecture, painting, or jewelry, I am most attracted to designs that reveal a unique point of view and emotional depth.

Nature.

Every growth pattern, color relationship, and structural solution found in nature demonstrates an extraordinary balance between beauty and function.

Nature remains the greatest designer.

Observe more than you create.

Travel, sketch, read, listen to people, and remain curious. Great design comes from understanding life, not simply understanding design.

I would likely have become a writer, interviewer, or podcast host.

I have always loved understanding people's stories, backgrounds, and life experiences. In many ways, bespoke jewelry is simply another form of storytelling.

Design is the act of giving form to something invisible.

Whether it is a memory, an emotion, a relationship, or a dream, design transforms intangible experiences into something people can see, touch, and carry with them.

My family gave me the freedom to pursue creative work, and my clients have continuously trusted me with their most meaningful stories. Every bespoke project has shaped me as a designer.

Curiosity, consistency, and the courage to develop an independent point of view. Talent is important, but perspective is what ultimately defines a designer.

Like many creative entrepreneurs, I had to build everything from scratch. Moving to New York, starting a brand, learning business, and developing a recognizable design language all happened simultaneously. The biggest challenge was learning to trust my own vision.

People connect with stories before they connect with products. Designers should share not only what they created, but why they created it.

I am currently expanding ARIS Fine Studio's Companion and Bespoke collections while developing new work inspired by nature, movement, and personal milestones.

To create pieces that outlive trends and become part of people's lives for generations.

I think people expect authenticity. They want to see a clear perspective rather than another interpretation of existing trends.

I think people expect authenticity. They want to see a clear perspective rather than another interpretation of existing trends.

I am constantly researching botanical structures, gemstone color relationships, and how memories can be translated into physical forms.

The projects I cherish most are bespoke pieces. Designing a piece that celebrates a client's relationship, pet, family member, or personal milestone is incredibly rewarding.

I hope to see a stronger appreciation for individuality and craftsmanship rather than trend cycles and mass replication.

I believe design will become increasingly personal. People are searching for objects that carry meaning rather than simply function or status.

It depends on the complexity. Collection pieces may take weeks, while bespoke projects often require two to three months from concept to completion.

I always begin with observation and conversation. Before sketching, I want to understand the story, emotion, or memory behind the piece.

Pay attention to the little things.

The most meaningful design does neither. It reflects a genuine perspective and remains relevant regardless of trends.

Technology helps visualize and refine ideas, but creativity always comes first. Technology is a tool, not the source of design.

I sketch by hand, use Procreate for concept development, and work with CAD software and advanced rendering tools throughout the production process.

They are fundamental. My work is deeply influenced by color relationships found in nature, and gemstones are often the starting point for an entire composition.

I would love people to ask about the story behind a piece rather than simply its specifications.

I usually wonder what inspired it and how the designer arrived at that solution.

Absolutely. I enjoy collaborating with people who bring different perspectives while sharing the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

Conversations with clients. Every person carries a unique story, and those stories often inspire my designs.

I enjoy books about creativity, observation, and human behavior. Just as influential are journals, memoirs, and biographies that reveal how people see the world.

Through continuous practice, experimentation, and curiosity. Every project teaches me something new.

Claude Monet. I would love to discuss color, light, and how fleeting moments can be preserved through art.

Awards are meaningful because they acknowledge years of work, but they are not the reason I design. The process itself remains the most rewarding part.

Color: Green and blue.

Place: New York and hidden gardens.

Season: Autumn.

Object: Vintage photographs.

Brand: Dior High Jewelry.

One of my favorite projects involved designing a piece inspired by a cat mid-jump. It was not simply about recreating a pet but capturing movement, personality, memory, and the beauty of gemstones within a single composition.

A day spent sketching, selecting gemstones, talking with clients, and discovering something beautiful I had not noticed before.

Not at all. What was obvious was that I loved drawing, collecting memories, and paying attention to details. Design came later.

Technology will evolve dramatically, but people will still seek beauty, meaning, connection, and stories. Those needs are timeless.

I hope people understand that every design begins with observation and empathy. I am not interested in creating jewelry simply to decorate. I want to create pieces that preserve moments, celebrate milestones, and become part of someone's story.

If people remember me one day, I hope they remember that I had a good eye for beauty, a deep appreciation for color and nature, and a genuine desire to turn memories into heirlooms.

I began studying sketching and oil painting when I was young. Before I ever designed jewelry, I was already fascinated by color, composition, light, and the way small details can carry emotion.

I did not always know I would become a jewelry designer. What I always knew was that I loved observing, collecting memories, and giving form to feelings. I grew up surrounded by vintage jewelry, old photographs, journals, and meaningful objects, and those early experiences shaped the way I see design today.

Jewelry became the medium that felt most natural to me because it is intimate, emotional, and lasting. A piece may be small in scale, but it can hold a person’s memories, relationships, milestones, and stories for generations.

ARIS Fine Studio is a contemporary fine jewelry studio based in New York.

Our work focuses on bespoke jewelry, collectible gemstone pieces, and nature-inspired designs. We create modern heirlooms that transform personal stories, memories, emotions, and milestones into jewelry that can be worn and kept for generations.

Nature, gemstones, movement, and emotional storytelling are at the center of our design language. Whether we are designing a bespoke pet piece, an engagement ring, or a high jewelry collection piece, we always begin with the story behind it.

For me, design is the act of giving form to something invisible.

It can be a memory, an emotion, a relationship, a dream, or a moment in someone’s life. Through design, something intangible becomes something people can see, touch, wear, and carry with them.

Design is not only about making things beautiful. It is about creating meaning, connection, and longevity.

I especially enjoy designing bespoke fine jewelry pieces.

Bespoke projects allow me to understand someone’s personal story and translate it into a physical object. It may be a piece inspired by a pet, a relationship, a family memory, or an important milestone.

I also love designing pieces inspired by nature, especially botanical forms, animals, movement, and gemstone color relationships. These themes give me space to combine craftsmanship, emotion, and imagination.

Some of my favorite designs are from our Companion collection.

One memorable piece was inspired by a cat in motion. The goal was not simply to recreate the appearance of the pet, but to capture its personality, movement, and the memory it represented.

We used gemstones, floral details, and sculptural elements to create a composition that felt alive. For me, that project represents what I love most about jewelry design: the ability to turn a private memory into something precious, wearable, and lasting.

Before building ARIS Fine Studio, I worked across creative projects where visual storytelling, branding, and aesthetics were very important.

One of the earliest things I designed in a professional context was not only a single object, but a visual direction — how a brand, a product, or a story should be presented to people.

That experience helped me understand that design is never just about form. It is also about emotion, communication, and how people experience something.

My favorite material is gemstone.

Gemstones are incredibly expressive. Their color, clarity, cut, and natural inclusions all carry character. Sometimes a gemstone becomes the starting point for an entire design because it already suggests a mood, a season, or a story.

In terms of tools, I still value hand sketching the most. I also use Procreate, CAD, and advanced rendering tools throughout the design and production process. Technology helps refine and visualize ideas, but the first emotional connection usually begins by hand.

I feel most creative when I am observing.

It may happen during a conversation with a client, while selecting gemstones, walking through New York, looking at flowers, or noticing a small detail in nature.

Many of my ideas come from moments that seem ordinary at first. A color combination, a pet’s habit, a fallen leaf, or a certain atmosphere can become the beginning of a design.

I focus on balance, emotion, and longevity.

A design should be visually distinctive, but it should also feel meaningful. I think carefully about composition, gemstone color relationships, movement, proportion, craftsmanship, and the story behind the piece.

For jewelry, comfort and wearability are also very important. A piece should not only look beautiful in an image; it should live naturally with the person who wears it.

When I design, I often feel curious, focused, and emotionally connected.

Each project begins with a story, so I try to understand not only what the client wants visually, but also what the piece means to them. There is a quiet responsibility in that process.

Designing jewelry feels intimate because I am creating something that may become part of someone’s life for many years.

When a design is finally realized, I feel grateful and moved.

There is always a special moment when a sketch becomes a real piece of jewelry. The gemstone, metalwork, details, and story all come together in a tangible form.

The most meaningful part is seeing the client’s reaction. When they recognize their own memory or emotion in the finished piece, that is when the design feels complete to me.

A successful design is beautiful, meaningful, and lasting.

For me, success is not only about visual impact. A design should create an emotional connection with the person who experiences it. In jewelry, a successful piece should feel personal, distinctive, and relevant even many years later.

I first consider whether the design has a clear point of view.

Beauty is important, but a good design should also have intention. I look at proportion, composition, material, craftsmanship, emotional resonance, and whether the final object communicates its idea clearly.

A strong design does not need to be loud. It needs to feel considered.

Designers have a responsibility to create thoughtfully.

In jewelry, this means respecting materials, craftsmanship, and the emotional value of what we create. I believe designers should move away from disposable thinking and create pieces that people want to keep, repair, pass down, and treasure.

A well-designed object can encourage people to consume less, but with more intention.

I believe design is becoming more personal and more emotional.

People are no longer looking only for function or status. They want objects that reflect identity, memory, and individual experience. The future of design will be shaped by personalization, craftsmanship, technology, and deeper storytelling.

Technology will continue to change how we visualize and produce ideas, but the human perspective behind design will become even more important.

Recently, my work has been presented through ARIS Fine Studio in New York, where clients can experience our jewelry in an intimate showroom setting.

For the next stage, I would love to present our work internationally, especially through exhibitions that connect jewelry with nature, art, and storytelling. I am also looking forward to showing more award-recognized pieces in Europe and expanding the way people experience the world behind ARIS Fine Studio.

My inspiration comes from nature, gemstones, personal memories, and conversations with clients.

I am especially inspired by botanical structures, animals, movement, vintage photographs, journals, paintings, and the atmosphere of different places. I also find inspiration in small moments: fallen leaves, a pet’s gesture, the color of the sky, or a story someone shares with me.

I feed my creativity by observing, sketching, traveling, reading, visiting museums, and staying curious about people’s lives.

I would describe my style as nature-inspired, emotional, sculptural, and contemporary.

My work often combines botanical forms, gemstone color relationships, movement, and personal storytelling. I am interested in creating jewelry that feels alive, as if it grew naturally around a memory or a gemstone.

The main characteristics of my style are organic lines, rich color, detailed craftsmanship, and a sense of narrative. My approach always begins with observation: I try to understand the emotion, story, or natural form behind the piece before I begin sketching.

I live and work in New York.

Living in New York gives me access to many cultures, museums, artists, clients, and creative communities. It is a city full of movement and individuality, and that energy influences my work.

At the same time, my cultural background also affects the way I see jewelry. I have always been drawn to symbolism, memory, nature, and objects that carry emotional meaning. The combination of my background and New York’s energy helps me create work that feels personal, global, and contemporary.

The challenge of living in such a fast-moving city is that everything changes quickly. As a designer, I have to protect my own pace and vision while staying open to the world around me.

I work with companies through creative direction, jewelry design, bespoke projects, collaborations, and visual storytelling.

For me, a good collaboration begins with understanding the company’s identity, audience, and long-term vision. I do not believe design should be added only at the final stage. Design should be part of the strategy from the beginning.

Companies should work with designers whose perspective aligns with their values.

A good designer is not simply someone who can make something attractive. A good designer understands emotion, function, audience, material, and brand identity.

When selecting a designer, companies should look for a clear point of view, consistency, strong communication skills, and the ability to translate ideas into meaningful results.

My design process usually begins with observation and conversation.

For bespoke jewelry, I first learn about the client’s story, the meaning behind the piece, and the emotions they want to preserve. Then I study references, gemstones, colors, and possible compositions.

After that, I begin sketching by hand, refining the concept, and developing the design through digital tools, CAD, rendering, and production. Throughout the process, I focus on balancing beauty, wearability, craftsmanship, and emotional meaning.

Five of my favorite design items at home are vintage photographs, jewelry boxes, art books, hand-written journals, and small objects collected during travel.

I like objects that carry memory. They do not have to be expensive, but they should have character, texture, and a story.

A typical day may include sketching, selecting gemstones, reviewing CAD models, meeting clients, discussing production details, planning visual content, and researching new ideas.

Some days are very quiet and focused. Other days are full of conversations, decisions, and movement around New York. I enjoy the balance between creative solitude and human connection.

Protect your curiosity and develop your own way of seeing.

Do not spend too much time comparing yourself to others. Trends change quickly, but perspective lasts. Observe more, sketch more, ask better questions, and give yourself time to build a visual language that feels honest to you.

A designer’s strongest asset is not only talent. It is sensitivity, consistency, and the courage to have an independent point of view.

The most positive part of being a designer is the ability to turn ideas, emotions, and stories into something real.

Design allows me to connect with people deeply and create objects that may become part of their lives for many years.

The challenging part is that creative work can be emotionally demanding. You have to constantly make decisions, solve problems, manage details, and trust your own vision even when the process is uncertain.

Pay attention to the little things.

Small details often carry the strongest emotion. A curve, a color relationship, a hidden symbol, or a tiny movement in the design can completely change how a piece feels.

Observation, curiosity, communication, visual judgment, technical understanding, and emotional intelligence.

A designer needs to create, but also needs to listen. Especially in bespoke jewelry, understanding people is just as important as understanding form, color, and material.

My toolbox includes hand sketching, Procreate, CAD software, rendering tools, gemstones, color references, art books, botanical references, vintage photographs, and museum visits.

I also keep notes and visual references from daily life. Sometimes the most important tool is simply a notebook, because ideas often begin as small observations before they become finished designs.

I manage time by dividing the process into clear stages: research, concept, sketching, design development, technical refinement, production, and final review.

Creative work needs space, but jewelry also requires precision and deadlines. I try to protect focused design time while keeping communication and production organized.

It depends on the complexity of the project.

A collection piece may take several weeks, while a bespoke jewelry project often takes two to three months from the first conversation to the finished piece. More complex high jewelry designs can take longer because of gemstone sourcing, technical development, and craftsmanship.

People often ask where my inspiration comes from.

My answer is always observation. Most ideas begin with something small: a gemstone, a flower, a client’s story, an animal’s movement, or a memory that deserves to be preserved.

Building ARIS Fine Studio has been my most important experience.

It required me to become not only a designer, but also a creative director, storyteller, business owner, and problem solver. Developing a brand from zero taught me how to connect artistic vision with craftsmanship, clients, communication, and long-term value.

Our clients are people who value craftsmanship, individuality, gemstones, and emotional storytelling.

Many come to us for bespoke jewelry that celebrates relationships, pets, family memories, engagements, anniversaries, and personal milestones. They are often looking for something deeply personal rather than something mass-produced.

I enjoy bespoke jewelry the most because it begins with real stories.

Every bespoke project is different. It allows me to understand someone’s memory, emotion, or relationship and translate it into a piece that can be worn for years. That process feels very meaningful to me.

I plan to continue expanding ARIS Fine Studio’s Companion, Bespoke, and high jewelry collections.

I am also interested in creating more immersive experiences around jewelry, nature, and storytelling. In the future, I hope to build spaces and exhibitions where people can step into the world behind the designs.

The creative direction and design concepts begin with me, but jewelry is always a collaborative process.

I work closely with skilled craftsmen, gemstone experts, CAD specialists, setters, photographers, and our studio team. A strong final piece requires both individual vision and collective craftsmanship.

I am currently working on new pieces for our Companion and Bespoke collections, including designs inspired by pets, botanical forms, movement, and meaningful personal memories.

I am also developing more nature-inspired gemstone pieces that explore color, texture, and the feeling of hidden garden spaces.

People can contact ARIS Fine Studio through our official website, Instagram, or by visiting our studio in New York.

We welcome clients who are interested in bespoke jewelry, gemstone pieces, engagement rings, and meaningful heirloom designs.

I would like people to know that my work is not only about decoration.

For me, jewelry is a way to preserve memory, celebrate love, and give physical form to emotions that are difficult to describe. I hope every piece I create carries beauty, craftsmanship, and a story that can live beyond a single moment.