The Oriental high jewellery brand, CHARLENE, known for its exhibition in the Forbidden City, has recently unveiled its latest collection. The new pieces continue to captivate with their distinct cultural charm and abundant Oriental aesthetic elements.
Established in 2013, CHARLENE is a top-tier Eastern jewellery brand that tells the story of Eastern aesthetics through its exquisite 1cm² designs. Highly respected in the industry field, the brand has achieved recognition both domestically and internationally. CHARLENE is renowned for being the first jewellery brand to have been invited to design a themed jewellery collection for the Forbidden City and to host an art exhibition at The Palace Museum. The collection was honored with the prestigious Milano Design Week award in 2018, making it the first Chinese brand to receive such an accolade.
The two collections that propelled CHARLENE into the limelight were the result of a collaboration between Chinese designers from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Drawing inspiration from thousands of elements within the Forbidden City, the designers chose the folding fan, a symbol of the scholarly class, as a central theme to craft their stunning high jewellery.
Photo: The Imperial Palace Fan Landscape Earrings, inspired by Dong Bangda's landscape painting, and a folding fan showcasing Qianlong's calligraphy.
CHARLENE is devoted to promoting traditional Chinese aesthetics. Its designers continually draw inspiration from the deep and enduring well of traditional culture. The recently unveiled Flora Luce Brooch serves as a testament to the brand's commitment to preserving the aesthetics of the Song Dynasty.
Photo: Flora Luce Brooch, inspired by Song Dynasty bird and flower motifs.
The Flora Luce brooch reflects the intricate strokes of Song Dynasty's detailed painting style. It encapsulates Xu Yin's aesthetic philosophy expressed in "tribute to the secret color tea bowl" — "ingeniously carving the bright moon to color the spring water, subtly turning the thin ice to embrace the green clouds". The brooch is designed with an Oriental round frame, accentuated by platinum branches and leaves; 31 princess-cut emeralds form a circle, simulating the effect of "summer in full bloom, the shimmering light of waves"; Akoya pearls represent budding fruit, offering a glimpse into the charm of observing blooming flowers from a window. The piece is designed to bring distant views closer, emphasizing depth and presenting a refined and dignified exterior view.
Photo: Flora Luce Brooch, a blend of Eastern and Western aesthetics.
The aesthetics of the Song Dynasty, with their various forms and deep meanings, represent a zenith in ancient Chinese aesthetics. The resurgence of Confucianism, technological advancements, political transparency, and blossoming creativity nurtured the arts of this magnificent Eastern nation. The ceremonial dignity of the literati and the elegance of artistic conception form the paradigm of Oriental aesthetics.
The resurgence of Eastern aesthetics signifies a return to cultural confidence, a resonation with thriving art, and a recentering of a peaceful mindset. The Dreaming Flower Island·graceful window incorporates the Western art style of the Art Deco period, presenting a modern interpretation of Oriental aesthetics. Coupled with an Akoya pearl necklace, the brooch can also serve as a formal pendant, glowing on the wearer's chest and neck, akin to green waves enfolding the bright moon.
Photo: Flora Luce Necklace elegantly transforms into a pendant when paired with a pearl necklace.
In his work "The Journey of Beauty," aesthetic master Zehou Li wrote, "Artistic conception cannot be separated from the integration of scenes." As early as 2015, Charlene Classic drew inspiration from Song Dynasty paintings for its Forever Four Seasons high-end jewellery collection. The minimalist theme and intricate strokes highlight the natural radiance of precious gems and express a harmony between nature and personal perception.
Photo: Model wearing the new collection pieces named Flora Luce necklace
Today, new designs are added to this collection annually, illustrating not only CHARLENE's ongoing tribute to oriental aesthetics but also the endless inspiration drawn from traditional culture. The constant cycle of the four seasons, the enduring pursuit of beauty, akin to the melodic tones of Song Dynasty lyrics, involve meticulous word selection and phrase crafting, much like a craftsman's hours of research. When modern jewellery meets oriental aesthetics, elegance is captured within 1cm².
