Bao Bao Wan launched her fine jewelry line in 2007. Inspired by her unconventional upbringing, Wan weaves whimsical tales of femininity, power, and cultural poignancy through her designs, and brings it to fruition in the form of wearable art. Bao Bao Wan believes jewelry should tell a compelling narrative. This is coming from former Chinese National People’s Congress chair Wan Li’s granddaughter who has lived an interesting story herself.

Fast forward to Bao Bao Wan’s final year at Sarah Lawrence as she studied abroad in Paris, where she blossomed within the city’s social scene, becoming known by the European set as China’s first socialite. She later attended the Gemological Institute of America in Hong Kong and channeled her love for passion into her namesake jewelry line, with collections inspired by China and her experiences abroad. She was sought after to work with the likes of Zaha Hadid on the Enlightened Swarovski Elements line, but it’s not really surprising – one look at her pink gold teapot necklaces or her edgy bat bracelet and you’ll know exactly why.

Photo: Courtesy of Bao Bao Wan