Within the ever-evolving field of jewelry creation, Shi Studio is a shining example of refined artistry and subtle grace. Shi Studio was established in 2021 by Wang Jiayi and Chen Xiaolan, two forward-thinking designers who initially met at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). More than just a jewelry line, Shi Studio celebrates the power of autonomous women and female empowerment.

Shi Studio was founded amid a period of global unpredictability when its founders chose to channel their creative efforts into something important after returning to China. Their mutual passion for crafting high-quality, semi-fine jewelry served as the foundation for the business. Together, they established Shi Studio, an independent business initiative driven by women that aims to close the gap between luxury, exclusivity, and affordability.

A brand created by Wang Jiayi and Chen Xiaolan speaks to the contemporary woman who appreciates quality, originality, and classic style. Their creations embody a philosophy that unifies elegance and simplicity, rendering luxury affordable without sacrificing quality of craftsmanship. They are not only accessories.

We go into the history of Shi Studio in this interview, learning about the motivations for its inception, the tale behind its creation, and the special role that women play in defining the brand's identity. Come learn how Shi Studio is, one finely crafted piece at a time, redefining elegance.

Interview with Wang Jiayi and Chen Xiaolan "Shi Studio" for Debris

Debris (D): Wang Jiayi and Chen Xiaolan, thank you for joining us today. Shi Studio has quickly gained recognition for its unique approach to jewelry design. Can you start by telling us a bit about your journey and how Shi Studio came to life?

Wang Jiayi (WJ): Thank you for having us! Our journey really began when we met at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). We both studied jewelry design and found that we shared a similar vision for what we wanted to create—something that felt timeless, yet modern, and accessible without compromising on quality. When the pandemic hit in 2020, we both found ourselves back in China, and that’s when we decided to take the leap and start Shi Studio.

Chen Xiaolan (CX): Yes, it was a challenging time globally, but it also gave us the opportunity to reflect on what we really wanted to do. We wanted to create a brand that resonated with modern women—something that wasn’t just about luxury in the traditional sense, but about offering beautiful, high-quality pieces that women could wear every day. Shi Studio was born out of that desire to bridge the gap between affordability and exclusivity, while still maintaining a strong focus on design and craftsmanship.

D: Your brand name, "Shi," carries a lot of meaning. Can you tell us more about why you chose this name and what it represents for your brand?

WJ: The name "Shi" was chosen very intentionally. It represents strength, resilience, and stability—qualities that we believe are integral not only to our brand but also to the women we design for. We wanted a name that reflected the enduring nature of our pieces and the solid foundation we’re building as a brand. It’s also a nod to the idea of creating something lasting, something that women can rely on as part of their personal style.

CX: We also liked that "Shi" has a simplicity to it, which aligns with our design philosophy. Our pieces are intentionally understated, focusing on clean lines and high-quality materials. We believe that simplicity can be incredibly powerful, especially when it’s done right. Our goal is to create jewelry that feels timeless and can be worn in a variety of ways, whether you’re dressing up for an event or just going about your day.

D: You’ve mentioned that Shi Studio aims to bridge the gap between affordability and luxury. How do you achieve this balance in your designs and business model?

CX: It’s definitely a balancing act, but one that we’re very committed to. We start with high-quality materials—like sterling silver, 14k gold, and handpicked gemstones—and focus on craftsmanship to ensure each piece is well-made and durable. We then streamline our design process to keep things simple but elegant, which helps us manage costs without sacrificing quality. Our goal is to offer pieces that feel luxurious and special, but that are also accessible to a wider audience.

WJ: We also think a lot about versatility. We design pieces that are minimal yet sophisticated, so they can be worn every day or layered for a more dramatic look. This approach means that women can invest in fewer pieces, but still have a lot of styling options. It’s about offering value in every sense—financially, stylistically, and emotionally.

D: How has your experience as female designers influenced the ethos of Shi Studio?

WJ: Being female designers definitely influences our approach. We understand the importance of feeling confident and empowered in what you wear, and we want our jewelry to contribute to that feeling. We’re designing for women like us—those who appreciate quality and elegance but also lead busy, multifaceted lives. We want our pieces to be a reliable part of their wardrobe, something they can turn to again and again.

CX: It’s also about creating a brand that supports and uplifts women. From the beginning, we’ve been focused on making Shi Studio a space where women can find pieces that resonate with their personal style and values. We’re very intentional about the message we put out there, and we hope it’s one that encourages women to embrace their strength and individuality.

D: Your designs are known for their simplicity and elegance. Can you walk us through your creative process and how you bring a new collection to life?

CX: Our creative process starts with a lot of inspiration gathering. We look at everything from classic art to modern architecture, and we think about how these elements can be translated into wearable art. Once we have a concept, we start sketching, focusing on how to incorporate our core values of simplicity, elegance, and quality.

WJ: From there, we move into prototyping, where we experiment with different materials and techniques to bring our sketches to life. We’re very hands-on during this phase, making sure that each piece not only looks good but also feels comfortable to wear. Once we’re satisfied with the prototypes, we move into production, always keeping a close eye on quality control to ensure that the final pieces meet our standards.

D: What can we expect next from Shi Studio? Are there any upcoming collections or projects you’re excited about?

CX: We’re always working on something new! Right now, we’re developing a collection that’s inspired by the concept of duality—finding balance between contrasting elements, much like how we balance simplicity and luxury in our designs. We’re also exploring new materials and techniques that will bring something fresh to our line.

WJ: We’re also looking into collaborations with other female-led brands and artists, which is something we’re really excited about. It’s important to us to support other women in the creative industry, and we think these collaborations will bring some exciting new perspectives to Shi Studio.

D: We’re looking forward to seeing what’s next! Finally, what message do you want to leave with your audience?

WJ: We want to encourage women to embrace their own style and to feel confident in the choices they make. Shi Studio is about more than just jewelry—it’s about creating pieces that resonate with who you are and how you want to express yourself.

CX: We also want to thank everyone who has supported us so far. It’s been an incredible journey, and we’re so grateful to be able to share our vision with the world. We hope our pieces bring a little bit of joy and elegance into your lives.

D: Thank you, Wang Jiayi and Chen Xiaolan, for sharing your story and insights with us. We’re excited to see the continued growth of Shi Studio.

WJ & CX: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.