Yú Yao, a jewellery designer, was raised in Guangzhou, a city abundant in green spaces that nurtured her appreciation for natural artistry. Over time, she developed a deep passion for plants, becoming an enthusiastic observer of their beauty and vitality.

Yú Yao finds joy in observing the growth stages of plants, from seed germination to flowering and fruiting, marvelling at the life force inherent in their cycle. Whether it’s plants cultivated at home, wild flora thriving outdoors, or resilient greenery sprouting in urban crevices, she sees them all driven by an instinct to reach for sunlight. For her, plants and people share a common pursuit of growth and light—a parallel that deeply influences her design philosophy, blending natural and contemporary elements.

While studying jewellery design at the University of the Arts London, she began experimenting with pieces that incorporate real plants, aiming to bridge the gap between nature and humanity. Yú Yao views jewellery as a medium that connects lives, striving to transform her creations from mere materials into vessels that embody life itself. Her work focuses on crafting pieces that not only resonate with the wearer but also enhance their radiance, fostering a positive impact on their social environment.

WORK AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE SOON

Yú is a contemporary jewellery studio that blends traditional craftsmanship with natural and modern elements, making each piece a medium for interconnectedness between the wearer and others. Yú, the lead designer of the studio, draws inspiration from nature, architecture, urban environments, and daily life. She experiments with real plants, metals, and the shape of the body, integrating the power of life into her designs so that jewellery becomes more than just metal. Yú views jewellery as a vessel in which plants and people can grow together, bringing nature closer to people's lives in a more intimate way.

Believing in the profound connection between contemporary jewellery and both social and personal identity, she aims to create pieces that foster deeper connections between individuals and the broader world. Yú sees jewellery as a powerful medium for expressing outward identity while also revealing one's authentic self.