Jiao

Jade is typically carved into solid, unyielding forms, but Jiao’s work challenges this expectation. Using traditional techniques such as chain carving and Devil’s Work Ball, she transforms a single piece of jade into structures that move freely within themselves. The result is jewelry that shifts between states, embodying both solidity and fluidity.

The jade ear cuff, part of her “Of One” collection, reflects this tension. It appears both structured and organic, with delicate curves and hollowed-out sections that suggest release from constraint. Jiao’s choice to work with “non-precious” jades—often dismissed for their lack of saturated color—further questions the way material value is determined. By applying labor-intensive, historically significant techniques to these overlooked stones, she redefines their worth.

At its core, Jiao’s work is about transition, both material and personal. The act of carving becomes a metaphor for cultural identity, adaptation, and self-discovery. By working slowly and deliberately, she captures the delicate process of change—where something once fixed becomes something that moves, something that breathes.