Jewellery made from diamonds and dinosaur bone? New York’s Xiao Wang on her unique, ethical designs
- Former model and actress uses recycled gold, diamonds and unusual stones, such as cosmic obsidian and fossils
- ‘I never loved jewellery,’ she says, but was a ‘treasure hunter’ as a child, an obsession she has turned into a dazzling profession
You started off as a model then became an actress. Why branch into jewellery? “I was born in China but moved to Virginia Beach, in the United States, when I was around 12. At 15, I started modelling and was influenced by the artistic side of fashion.
“Although I never loved jewellery, I was a treasure hunter as a kid and collected rocks, glass and rhinestones. I never let go of the habit, so when I started making money I would buy all sorts of stones and natural coloured diamonds.
“I had been collecting for over 10 years when a friend suggested I start transforming them into jewellery and it grew from there. Funnily enough, my great-grandparents from both sides of the family were in jewellery and owned mines in China.”
Sustainability has been an important part of your brand from the beginning, in 2014. Why? “It’s a word that’s being thrown around so much, so I try not to use it in our branding. I went to the Fashion Institute of Technology [in New York] after high school and I realised how wasteful fashion is. I decided if I was to do something in the industry, it would have to mean not producing any more waste.
“Our collections are locally produced in New York using recycled gold, diamonds and gemstones. We often recut older stones and break up pieces if they don’t sell. I am specific about where I source my stones. It kills me when people don’t ask questions – it’s like not knowing what you’re eating.