Z.X Zhao
Z.X. Zhao is a jewellery artist and designer from Guangzhou, China, currently residing in the United Kingdom. She earned a BA in Jewellery Design from the University of the Arts London and later completed her MA in Jewellery and Metal at the Royal College of Art. Her early interest in systems like the I Ching and Tarot sparked a curiosity about how people find spiritual comfort—not only through symbolism or prediction but also through personal rituals of reflection and connection. This curiosity deepened as she faced a long-term struggle with insomnia, prompting her to explore more grounded and sensory approaches to supporting emotional well-being. Rather than treating healing as an abstract concept, Zhao engages with the five senses—especially scent and sight—to create wearable pieces that provide calmness and a sense of gentle protection. Her work combines natural fragrances, body adornment, and domestic-scale installations, blurring the line between jewellery and emotional space. Through these intimate objects, she invites moments of quiet restoration into everyday life.
This project began with my struggle with insomnia. I wanted to turn healing into something physical—objects that can be worn, touched, and felt. Inspired by dragons as silent protectors from my dreams, I blended soft scents and sculptural forms, using silver and zirconia to echo shimmering dragon scales. The brushed metal finish mimics the reflection of light on water, evoking a sense of safety and movement.
I craft scent components from ground natural materials—ambergris, frankincense, sandalwood, citrus, lavender, and rose. These can be gently worn or ignited, offering a portable ritual of comfort and solace. The custom formula allows clean diffusion with minimal smoke or residue. Merging jewellery and modular installation, this collection creates a sensory sanctuary—quiet, intimate, and always under the protective gaze of a dragon.
Project Gallery
