Xinhua News Interview with Ms. Paloma Sanchez (reposted by the official account of The Mission of the People's Republic of China to the European Union)

Spanish Designer Draws Inspiration from the Elegance of Ancient Chinese Jewelry for Spanish-Speaking Community in China.

BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- At a New Year event held in Beijing by a jewelry workshop located on Xinyuannanlu Street, necklaces, earrings, and rings captivated both Chinese and foreign customers.

Paloma Sánchez, the Spanish jewelry designer and head of the workshop, patiently shared the creative stories behind her exquisite designs. The pieces blend the delicacy of Chinese aesthetics with the sophistication of Western design. Among them, one of the most notable collections was “Diancui”.

“Diancui”, which literally means “blue bath”, is a traditional Chinese jewelry technique that involves creating a metal base with decorative patterns, onto which feathers are inlaid to create unique pieces. This ancient technique reached its peak during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

"I was inspired by the traditional Chinese technique of Diancui and combined it with my skills in Western inlay. Here, Eastern and Western cultures meet in perfect harmony," explained Sánchez.

Sánchez's passion for jewelry began in her youth. In 1981, at just 21 years old, she had her first experience with gemstone extraction in Venezuela, an experience that sparked her dream of becoming a designer. She later studied at the Gemological Institute of America, graduating in 1988, thus beginning her career in jewelry design.

"Since I was a child, I dreamed of visiting China. To me, it was a distant and mysterious place," Sánchez recalled.

Finally, in 2006, she arrived in the Asian country, where she visited numerous museums in Beijing, seeking inspiration from the imperial jewelry of ancient China.

As she delved deeper into Chinese aesthetics, characterized by its softness and balance, Sánchez began to understand the philosophy of harmony that defines this tradition. The ancient Chinese jewelry left a deep impression on her, leading her to create the “Diancui” collection, blending the best of both Chinese and Western cultures.

"In Chinese design, everything must be rounded, never ending in a sharp point. I think that’s one of the biggest influences I’ve received," Sánchez commented.

In 2014, she launched her “Yunnan” collection. And in 2016, she was inspired by Tibetan Buddhist culture to create the "Glory Era" collection. These pieces, which integrate Chinese elements and Western aesthetics, have earned her numerous international design awards.

Over the years, Sánchez has designed more than a hundred pieces inspired by Chinese aesthetics, building a loyal customer base and establishing her own brand.

From her perspective, China's strong industrial foundation, efficient supply chains, and manufacturing capabilities have revitalized the jewelry industry, offering a vast and vibrant environment for designers. This setting has also been key to Sánchez's realization of her dreams.