About Z Liu Designs
I work from a very small studio in a small town in North Texas, a big change from growing up in Shanghai, China! But I bring very "international eyes" to my design concepts, starting with my Grandfather teaching me calligraphy, to my painting and later working as a video editor for TV news in China. Thats the short (edited!) story. Below are a few more details.
Here you find my interpretation of the wild garden - of flowers, leaves, and butterflies in gemstones, gold and silver, which allows me to share my personal feelings as an artist with a few women who find they respond with joy to these designs and a desire to have and wear this sensual jewelry that reflects my and their love of nature.
After arriving in the States ten years ago (and just recently becoming a US Citizen!) I found my art background helpful in finding employment as a jewelry designer. After a few years as a pure designer I found I also enjoyed actually making my own designs. First I draw the design on paper (this is many steps from the rough sketch thru many changes), then I carve the wax for the mold, then I oversee the casting, and finally I hand finish and polish the cast piece. For my 18K pieces this process usually takes place over four or five weeks, sometimes longer. It can seem like actually growing a live flower! I have learned not to try to make pieces faster, rather let the process flow slowly and peacefully. I think of my jewelry as fine art.
What you will see on these pages are designs that I have made over the past five years. Originally all my pieces were 18K with precious gemstones but with the recent increases in the cost of gold I am creating some pieces in sterling with semi-precious stones. My 18K pieces are completely designed and handmade by me and limited to editions of 20. The sterling pieces are fully designed by me and made with just two assistants in my workshop they are not limited edition pieces but they are handmade.
Together with my partner, Michael, who is also my long suffering photographer (I know what my designs should look like!) we hope you enjoy visiting our site and perhaps you will find a piece that makes you happy!
I receive many questions regarding the gemstones I use, so I have a link to the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) that we are a member of. where you can find in depth information about the gemstones - please visit their site here: http://www.agta.org/gemstones/index.html We carefully source all our gemstones to meet AGTA standards for genuine gemstones.
I hope you enjoy looking at my work and I look forward to reading your thoughts or questions - please email me zliu@zliudesigns.com.
Thanks so much,
Zhen (Z) Liu