New York City–based Xiao Wang debuted her diamond-intense line last year, showcasing an affinity for manga and an obsession “with what’s beyond earth—galaxies and natural elements,” she tells JCK. This onetime student of fashion design at FIT doubles as an actress and model and recently added jewelry to her résumé, though it courses through her blood by way of a grandfather in mining and a dad in recycled metals. Silversmithing and diamond-setting classes eased her entrée, as did sketching styles for both her IceCreamCandy line of 14k gold and her higher-end Xiao Wang line of 18k gold and diamond pieces, sometimes drawing directly onto wax and carving models by hand. Everything is made in New York City. A proud moment thus far for the new designer: “Rihanna wore a Xiao Wang element necklace in her ‘FourFiveSeconds’ song video and on the single cover.”
Jewelry designer Xiao Wang
Starting retail price: Pieces in 14k gold start at $500 retail, and 18k gold pieces start at $980.
Accounts: Five, including Broken English in Santa Monica, Calif., and New York City
Trade fairs: Couture
Retailer buy-in: There is not a minimum buy-in value, but for a strong case presentation we recommend a $15,000–$20,000 starting order.
Contact: Xiao Wang at Muse, NYC; 212-463-7950
Galaxy ring in 18k yellow gold with 1.53 cts. t.w. natural-color and colorless diamonds, $5,270
Collar necklace in 14k yellow gold with Australian Lightning Ridge opals, 0.2 ct. t.w. diamonds, and a 0.15 ct. natural-color diamond, $6,300
Galaxy drop earrings in 18k yellow gold with 6.86 cts. t.w. natural-color and colorless diamonds, $43,460
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