Wanyan Wu, a narrative jewellery designer from China, graduated from Birmingham City University in 2023, majoring in Jewellery and Related Products. She is currently an Artist in Residence at the School of Jewellery in Birmingham.

Wanyan captures her daily observations and emotions through the medium of jewellery. She often incorporates representational imagery, such as candies, insects, and flowers, to explore the relationship between individual memory and shared collective memory.

A devoted admirer of Art Deco, Wanyan seeks innovative ways to combine traditional craftsmanship with modern industrial techniques, creating jewellery that reflects her distinctive style. Her practice focuses on modelling, enamelling, and lampworking glass, allowing her to craft intricate and meaningful designs.

A recent addition to the design is the box lid, which creates a gift-like experience when opened, enhancing the joy of discovery and introducing a new way to wear the pieces. The project employs techniques including 3D printing resin, dyeing, metal casting, beading, enamelling, and welding inlay. Currently, the materials are transitioning from resin to enamel, silver, and glass to further refine and elevate the designs.

Candy Boxes was inspired by Wanyan Wu’s childhood memories of sweets. Her feelings towards candy were complex—it brought her joy but also the physical pain of tooth decay. This collection uses candy imagery, such as gummy bears, ring candy, Wangzai QQ candy, and watermelon candy, to evoke nostalgic memories of childhood treats.

The concept of "Pick 'N' Mix" is central to the collection, allowing the audience to choose different boxes, types, and colours of candy, as well as how the pieces are worn. Each "candy gem" is meticulously crafted by the designer, set in a silver candy box or strung as beads. The audience is invited to participate in the creative process by customising their own unique jewellery.

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