Yunqi Zhang

When people think of the identity of jewellery, precious gemstones and precious metal come to mind because people have an indelible impression that jewellery is valuable. Jewellery is valuable because of its historical association with royalty or elites, and thus its distance from the public in terms of price and access. On the other hand, gemstones are often used as items of family heritage as they will not be devalued by the turbulence of currencies. Thus, jewellery holds a valuable place in the minds of the public. However, the value of jewellery is given by people and is determined by social, cultural and political values. We found these materials in nature and gave them stories and meanings, then formed the identity of 'preciousness'. Today, jewellery consumption is more about the values of modern society, which leaves a serious question we need to think about deeply: what is valuable for us?