Interview with Lang Wei: SHINSEI Jewelry’s Fusion of Nature and Art

Interview with Lang Wei: SHINSEI Jewelry’s Fusion of Nature and Art

At Debris, we had the pleasure of speaking with Lang Wei, the visionary founder of SHINSEI, a jewelry brand that artfully merges nature with modern craftsmanship. Join us as Lang Wei shares her journey, the ethos behind SHINSEI, and the inspiration driving her exquisite, nature-inspired designs.

Debris (D): Lang Wei, thank you for joining us today! SHINSEI has captivated many with its unique blend of nature and art. Can you tell us how SHINSEI was born and what inspired you to create it?

Lang Wei (LW): Thank you! SHINSEI was born from my deep love for nature and my passion for jewelry design. After completing my Master’s in Jewelry and Metal from the Royal College of Art, I felt the need to create a brand that would reflect nature’s abstract beauty in wearable art. I wanted to capture the intricate textures and organic shapes of the natural world, and so SHINSEI was founded in 2019 with the mission of offering jewelry that resonates with the soul.

D: The name "SHINSEI" is fascinating. What does it mean, and how does it embody your brand's philosophy?

LW: "SHINSEI" is a Japanese word meaning "new life" or "rebirth," which perfectly aligns with our philosophy. It represents our desire to breathe new life into natural elements through the art of jewelry making. We aim to reinterpret nature’s beauty in a way that feels both timeless and contemporary. SHINSEI is about transforming nature’s extraordinary forms into pieces that can be worn and cherished every day.

D: Your designs are known for using natural stones and precious metals. Could you explain your design process and how you select these materials?

LW: Nature is my greatest inspiration. I spend a lot of time observing natural textures—whether it's the delicate veins of a leaf or the smoothness of a stone—and these details guide my design process. I select materials that resonate with these organic forms. For example, I use natural stones for their one-of-a-kind colors and textures, and pair them with precious metals like sterling silver and gold to enhance their natural beauty. The materials I choose are integral to telling the story of each piece, bringing nature’s essence to life.

D: SHINSEI has launched nine unique collections since its inception. What connects them all, and how do they differ from one another?

LW: Every SHINSEI collection is unified by its deep connection to nature and commitment to craftsmanship. While each collection tells a different story, they all share a common theme: creating wearable art that celebrates nature’s beauty. For example, one collection might focus on water’s fluidity, while another draws inspiration from the rugged textures of stone. What makes them unique is how they each explore different facets of nature, but always with the same philosophy of translating the natural world into jewelry that tells a story.

D: SHINSEI’s designs are often described as turning abstract art into wearable masterpieces. How do you balance art and functionality in your pieces?

LW: Balancing art and functionality is always a challenge. Jewelry is not just about being visually striking, it also has to be wearable and comfortable. I focus on creating pieces that are bold yet practical, designs that can make a statement while still being functional. Each piece is meant to be an extension of the body—something that fits seamlessly into the wearer’s life while carrying the weight of artistic expression.

D: What do you hope your customers feel when they wear SHINSEI jewelry?

LW: I hope that when people wear SHINSEI jewelry, they feel a connection to the natural world. Nature is full of stories, and I want our pieces to serve as a reminder of that. Each design is meant to evoke emotion and reflection, allowing wearers to carry a piece of nature with them. My ultimate goal is for people to feel inspired, grounded, and connected to something larger than themselves.

D: What do you think sets SHINSEI apart from other jewelry brands?

LW: SHINSEI stands apart because we aren’t just creating jewelry; we are creating art that can be worn. We infuse each piece with the beauty of nature, paying close attention to every detail. Our designs are timeless, meant to be cherished for generations. We’re committed to quality, craftsmanship, and creating pieces that aren’t just accessories, but wearable art that tells a story.

D: Looking ahead, what can we expect from SHINSEI? Are there any exciting new collections in the works?

LW: There’s always something exciting on the horizon! We’re currently developing a collection inspired by the concept of duality—exploring the balance between opposing forces in nature. I’m also working with new materials and techniques to push the boundaries of what we can create. We’re constantly evolving, and I can’t wait to share our upcoming collections with the SHINSEI community.

D: Finally, what message would you like to leave with SHINSEI’s followers?

LW: I want to thank everyone who has supported SHINSEI on this journey. We are so grateful for the opportunity to share our vision with the world. I encourage everyone to embrace their connection to nature, to find beauty in the details, and to express their individuality through our designs. Jewelry should be more than an accessory—it should be a reflection of who you are.

D: Thank you, Lang Wei, for sharing your insights and the story behind SHINSEI. We look forward to watching your continued growth and innovation.

LW: Thank you!