Vintage jewelry sparkles with charm at Tsinghua show

Imprint, an exhibition now ongoing at Tsinghua University Art Museum, reviews the evolution of jewels and aesthetics throughout the 20th century.

Coco Chanel once said: "Slavish followers of inner beauty, who completely ignore dressing up, are also superficial." Jewelry has always lit up people's life, becoming a statement of their taste and thoughts.

The advancement of the manufacturing industry and the invention of new materials since the 19th century have greatly prompted the design and production of jewelry. Compound metals and artificial gems replaced the precious and natural ones and, thanks to that, new waves took place in jewelry design and more people could afford the glittering ornaments.

These changes can be seen at Imprint, an exhibition now ongoing at Tsinghua University Art Museum, which reviews the evolution of jewels and aesthetics throughout the 20th century.

On show are mainly brooches and other types of jewelry made between the 1930s and '80s, featuring Trifari, Coro and Boucher and other brands involving vintage pieces that are highly sought after by collectors today. They are from Zheng Yingyan who has accumulated a collection of vintage jewels throughout the years.

The exhibition will last until March 26.