Ilgiz Fazulzyanov: The Russian Jeweller Goes to Conquer Asia with His New Collection Mysterious China

October 1, 2019

By Katerina Perez

6 min read

From 4 to 7 October 2019, Hong Kong will host the Fine Art Asia exhibition, the leading exhibition of Asian fine art. It is here that the famous Russian jeweller Ilgiz Fazulzyanov will present his unique collection Mysterious China, each piece of which is a one-of-a-kind work of art.

The Mysterious China collection will not go on sale in Russia where Ilgiz resides so for most connoisseurs of the King of Enamel’s work it could go unnoticed, something which would be extremely unfair, as the collection’s value is unsurpassed. Why? To begin with, I would like to dwell on the subject of the inspiration for the 20 pieces of jewellery included in Mysterious China. As the name implies, they all embody the rich cultural heritage of the Celestial Empire.

Ilgiz F. 'The temple of the fire dragon' ring with enamel, diamonds and jade in yellow gold. Photo by Isabella Antonio

Ilgiz F. 'The temple of the fire dragon' ring with enamel, diamonds and jade in yellow gold. Photo by Isabella Antonio

 Drake ring from Mysetrious China collection. Photo by Isabella Antonio

Drake ring from Mysetrious China collection. Photo by Isabella Antonio

 Lotus ring from Mysterious China collection. Photo by Isabella Antonio

Lotus ring from Mysterious China collection. Photo by Isabella Antonio

 Ring from Mysterious China collection. Photo by Isabella Antonio

Ring from Mysterious China collection. Photo by Isabella Antonio

Why such a craving for Asian culture, you ask. Ilgiz presented his work at Fine Art Asia in Hong Kong for the first time last year and, as a creative, curious person whose imagination is constantly looking for recharge, he became very interested in this exotic country. Given that China is radically different from Russia, and since there are so many distinctive creative directions, how could one not be fascinated by it all?

Ilgiz F 'Yao' ring with porcelain, lacquer and ruby in yellow gold and ring with jade and lacquer in yellow gold

Ilgiz F 'Yao' ring with porcelain, lacquer and ruby in yellow gold and ring with jade and lacquer in yellow gold

Mysterious China constantly excites my imagination when I study the variety of crafts of Chinese masters. But to study only the technology was not enough to achieve a deeper understanding of the whole culture of these people. To create these works, I had to study and channel the architecture, graphics, colour palette, Chinese jade carving techniques, enamel coating techniques as well as many other nuances of the richest, cultural heritage country. As a result, I created some designs that even I find fascinating. I am pleased that my perception of this amazing country and people was so accurately reflected in the jewels. – Ilgiz Fazulzyanov

Ilgiz F ring and bracelet with enamel and yellow gold

Ilgiz F ring and bracelet with enamel and yellow gold

He also admits that the idea and the creation of all the jewellery was completed quite quickly as opposed to the preparation and development of the technical side which took a relatively long time. For 10 months, the enamel master studied all the techniques and technologies that have ever existed in China and form the basis of Chinese culture – applying paint to porcelain, jade and wood carvings, lacquer miniatures, and so on. Then he tried to apply each of these techniques, entirely unrelated to gold and gems, to the manufacture of his pieces, by not just reproducing them in a traditional way, but through the media of precious materials.

Yellow gold and hot enamel ring from Mysterious China collection that hide a jade ball under the dome. Photo by Isabella Antonio

Yellow gold and hot enamel ring from Mysterious China collection that hide a jade ball under the dome. Photo by Isabella Antonio

 Yellow gold and hot enamel ring from Mysterious China collection that hide a jade ball under the dome. Photo by Isabella Antonio

Yellow gold and hot enamel ring from Mysterious China collection that hide a jade ball under the dome. Photo by Isabella Antonio

 Yellow gold and hot enamel ring from Mysterious China collection that hide a jade ball under the dome. Photo by Isabella Antonio

Yellow gold and hot enamel ring from Mysterious China collection that hide a jade ball under the dome. Photo by Isabella Antonio

For example, in the ‘Headdress of the Emperor’ ring, the jade carving technique was applied to gold with a convex pattern, and a jade ball placed inside the jewellery became a reference to this precious gem. Incidentally, this ring is technically the most complex creation in the collection precisely because of the time spent on developing the idea. The jade itself also embellished several pieces, either as a polished surface or with decorative carvings, as in the case of the cloud earrings. Among the traditional Asian symbols, you will also find the already recognizable Koi carp as a pendant, which is associated with luck and brings happiness, and a drake ring.

Carpe necklace from the Mysterious China collection embellished with diamonds, pink sapphires and enamel

Carpe necklace from the Mysterious China collection embellished with diamonds, pink sapphires and enamel

 Sautoir from the Mysterious China collection

Sautoir from the Mysterious China collection

 Cloud earrings from the Mysterious China collection adorned with with enamel and diamonds

Cloud earrings from the Mysterious China collection adorned with with enamel and diamonds

 Sautoir from the Mysterious China collection

Sautoir from the Mysterious China collection

 Pagoda earrings from the Mysterious China collection adorned with with enamel and diamonds

Pagoda earrings from the Mysterious China collection adorned with with enamel and diamonds

 Dragon ring from the Mysterious China collection adorned with with enamel and nephrite

Dragon ring from the Mysterious China collection adorned with with enamel and nephrite

 Twice as Happy ring from the Mysterious China collection adorned with with enamel and diamonds

Twice as Happy ring from the Mysterious China collection adorned with with enamel and diamonds

 Carpe Koi brooch adorned with hot enamel painting and diamonds

Carpe Koi brooch adorned with hot enamel painting and diamonds

The artistry of Mysterious China is as significant as the comfort of wearing each jewel. For example, when creating the collection, Ilgiz strove to not only make it visually understandable to Asian clientele, but also to “speak” with them in the same language. This was reflected in the colour and size range making jewels both rather dynamic in their colour and quite miniature on the body, as is often admired in Asia.

Ilgiz F. Mysterious China pendant with swallows adorned with hot enamel painting. Photo by Isabella Antonio

Ilgiz F. Mysterious China pendant with swallows adorned with hot enamel painting. Photo by Isabella Antonio

 Ilgiz F. Mysterious China pendant with swallows adorned with hot enamel painting. Photo by Isabella Antonio

Ilgiz F. Mysterious China pendant with swallows adorned with hot enamel painting. Photo by Isabella Antonio

Of course, Ilgiz’s signature technique – the use of enamel – was also employed in the collection. It is not a technique that is common in modern Chinese jewellery but the Chinese relate to it with deep reverence because they know that enamel was widely used by their ancestors to make ancient luxury objects. And now, jewellers and connoisseurs of Chinese jewellery art respectfully acknowledge that Ilgiz demonstrates a level of mastery with enamel that they are unable to replicate.

Ilgiz F. enamel, diamond and yellow gold ring

Ilgiz F. enamel, diamond and yellow gold ring

Well, then – very little time is left, and we will soon find out how the audience of the Fine Art Asia exhibition will view Ilgiz’s new collection dedicated to China. Something tells me that it will enjoy a thundering success!   

Neha Dani: New Galactic Inspired ‘Shristi’ Collection

continue reading

Haute Couture 2025: Boucheron Explores Shades of Grey with the Impermanence High Jewellery Collection 

With its Carte Blanche High Jewellery collections, Boucheron's Creative Director Claire Choisne has the power to explore whatever fantastical avenue she pleases, which in 2025 centres on flowers and the natural world.

by Sarah Jordan

Haute Couture 2025: The Unconventional Lines of the Vhernier Ardis High Jewellery Collection 

Let's take a closer look at the pieces that launched at Paris Haute Couture week, including the sculptural necklaces we simply couldn't leave without photographing.

by Sarah Jordan

Haute Couture 2025: The 70s Depths of the Piaget Shapes of Extraleganza High Jewellery Collection

Through the Piaget Society, a circle of artists, collectors and freethinkers, the Maison helped shape the cultural zeitgeist of the 1970s.

by Claire Roberts

Haute Couture Week 2025: The Gentle Flutter of Mikimoto Les Pétales High Jewellery

Let’s take a closer look at some of the aristocratic highlights of this latest Mikimoto offering…

by Sarah Jordan

Elevated Expression: Examining The Jade Dynasty Collection by Austy Lee

Austy Lee is someone we return to time and again here at KaterinaPerez.com, largely because the designer's work never fails to impress. Let's hear what he has to say on China's most emblematic mineral…

by Sarah Jordan

Haute Couture 2025: The Biggest High Jewellery Trends to Emerge from Paris 

Transformability was a recurring theme, as were bold uses of colour, sculptural silhouettes and rare gemstones with compelling stories. Here are the key trends that defined the 2025 high jewellery season.

by Joshua Hendren

Flower Power: The Uplifting Energy of Jewels in Full Bloom 

Florals have long been a favourite in fine jewellery, and they never lose their charm. This year’s Couture show in Las Vegas proved just how inventive floral jewellery can be, bursting with colour, craftsmanship, and imagination

by Hirshi Sujanti

You’ve Got the Moves: Kinetic Jewellery with Moving Elements

Sometimes, at the Couture Show, you encounter a trend that feels perfectly attuned to the times we’re living in. This year in Las Vegas, that trend was movement. Or, more precisely, moving elements that speak to that very human desire to keep our hands busy, our senses engaged, and our minds soothed.

by Claire Roberts

Verified in Vegas: The Biggest Jewellery Trends of the Couture Show 2025

The Couture Show presents a curated view of the best in craftsmanship, design, fresh ideas and originality, which is why it’s such a vital place to forecast the ‘next big thing’. Here’s what I have gleaned from this year’s State-side events

by Sarah Jordan

Instant Charm: Celebrating New Creations with Karina Choudhrie Jewels

Let's take a closer look at the latest pieces that have emerged from Karina's incredible imagination…

by Katerina Perez

Key Facts About Gold: An Ancient Symbol of Power and Luxury

In an age where digital currencies rise and fall, gold remains a universal symbol of stability, beauty, and lasting worth. It is worn on the skin, locked in vaults, and passed down through generations as a living legacy.

by Hirshi Sujanti

Little Legends: The History and Power of Pinky Rings

Pinky rings have long carried cultural weight - from Ancient Mesopotamian seals to Egyptian signets and Japanese kamon heirlooms. Today, the style is experiencing a resurgence, thanks to contemporary designers and a growing list of high-profile wearers, including Meghan Markle, Bruno Mars, Rihanna, Victoria Beckham, Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski

by Joshua Hendren

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Epic Evolution:Miseno Launches the Arco Collection to Celebrate a Fabulous Decade

I am pleased to present to you my highlights of the new Arco High Jewellery collection, which was formally showcased to the jewellery world at Couture from June 4-8, 2025

by Katerina Perez

Jewels Katerina Perez Loves

Continue Reading

In Conversation:Discussing Paraiba - The Legacy of a Color

with Vogue Singapore

by Katerina Perez

Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox

Style Guide

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.