After the grand finalists completed their self-introductions, they headed over to their designated seats on the two sides of the stage.
Five competitors to each side.
Wen Xinya sat at the first seat on the left side, while Shen Siwen was seated on the first chair on the right. The stage was so wide that even though the two of them were directly opposite each other, they didn’t make any eye contact.
At that moment, everyone was focused on the preliminary rankings based on the jewelry design drawings.
The deadline to hand in their designs was 10 AM earlier that day, and it was already 3 PM now. The judges had already gone through the design drawings of all the competitors, and this was a crucial point of the competition.
The designers would now be introducing their designs to the audience. Generally, the introductions would include their inspiration for the design, the creation process, concept, soul, meaning, etc.
In order to move the judges with the introduction of their creation, the designers also had to gain the approval of the audience. This round offered an opportunity to let the judges be reacquainted with your creation, and perhaps gain a new appreciation of it. This was also the most important round in the competition, the “soul” round. It was an overall presentation of the designer’s talent, experience, and capabilities.
These were also the key aspects that would determine the final rankings of the designs.
One by one, the competitors stepped onto the stage to introduce their creations to the crowd. They had racked their brains to prepare the most eloquent speech in order to leave a lasting impression on the audience and distinguish themselves in this round.
As yet another competitor exited the stage, the stage lights focused on Wen Xinya.
The host called out. “Next, we will invite our competitor from Country Z, Wen Xinya, on stage.”
Wen Xinya was the fifth designer to go on stage to introduce her designs. Holding her design drawings, she gracefully ascended the stage in her pale blue flowered wrap dress. Exuding elegance and refinement under the luminous stage lights, she looked like a noble lady from a royal house.
The spotlight followed her poised figure to the center of the stage. “Greetings to the judges and the audience. I am Wen Xinya from Country Z’s Capital University. It is my honor to be standing here on stage at the grand finals of this international jewelry design competition.”
The introduction of one’s own design had always been Wen Xinya’s strong suit. As a result, she had utmost confidence in this round.
Wen Xinya smiled elegantly. “With ‘red rubies’ as the competition theme, I designed three pieces: The Ring of Athena, the Spirit Serpent Bracelet and the Brooch of Wisdom.”
At that point, Wen Xinya’s three designs and some accompanying blurbs appeared on the large screen behind her.
Simultaneously, Wen Xinya’s designs also appeared on the small screens in front of the judges and the audience members.
The Ring of Athena had a serpentine shape and a dazzling, clear red ruby set on top. Surrounding that ruby were intricate snake scales dotted with black gems. Black and red contrasted with each other to produce an enigmatic and luxurious charm.
The noble black color harbored unfathomable and mysterious depths. It seemed to radiate with a great energy and was the symbol of power.
The elegant red color possessed an alluring glamor. It exuded with life and displayed her passionate side.
In Greek mythology, Athena represented might and wisdom. Wen Xinya had reflected the goddess’ mystic and power vividly.
The Spirit Serpent Bracelet was a five-centimeter thick silver bracelet inlaid with black gems. A double-headed spirit serpent in red ruby snaked around the bracelet, giving off a uniquely spiritual aura. It suited modern-day youths who possessed more daring mindsets and individualistic styles.
Last but not least, Wen Xinya’s Brooch of Wisdom was a 180-degree change in style. The brooch was in the shape of an owl, with sleek silver-gray feathers forming the head. Its eyes were red rubies with black gems set in the center, shining keenly. The entire design spoke of audacity, novelty, and a haunting appeal—but at the same time exuding a timeless beauty.
They were three clearly different designs, but they complemented each other harmoniously to give off a mysterious and powerful aura.
“My goodness…”
Everyone in the hall was stunned the moment those three designs were unveiled.
Wen Xinya had paired the colors black and red perfectly, which sent an intense rush through the crowd. After that initial thrill subsided and one could more carefully peruse the designs, one would be involuntarily astonished by how novel and unique they were, yet still possessing a classic allure.
Wen Xinya said, “My three designs were inspired by one of the 12 Olympians of Greek mythology, the goddess of might and wisdom, Athena. The snake and the owl are two of Athena’s symbols. The snake represents might, while the owl represents wisdom. Hence, the basis of my design is might, wisdom and protection! I hope that whoever wears my creation will be afforded the protection of wisdom and might.”
Athena was the goddess of protection in Greek mythology!
Wen Xinya then explained her design process. With profound knowledge and fluent narration, she gave everyone a brief background on Athena. The information she shared could not be found online. Wen Xinya only knew of those details because Si Yiyan had once read the ancient Greek literature, “The Chronicles of Athena”. It was the most comprehensive account of Athena’s stories that was available on the market right now.
Wen Xinya’s profound knowledge had everyone in the audience clapping. Even the judges couldn’t help feeling amazed.
Wen Xinya smiled. “I hope that the judges and members of the audience will like my designs.”
She then waited for the critique.
Jill, who was a special guest judge, couldn’t hold back his applause. “Spoken like a true professional!”
Jill was not at all surprised by Wen Xinya’s performance. He could still recall how she had earlier used the legend of the Phoenix Nirvana to convince him to give up his long-term rights for the Puerile Phoenix.
She had her own unique understanding of jewelry design, which always had everyone astounded. This time, she had used Greek mythology to explain her own creation, which gave an interesting and fresh take on her design. An imaginative and fascinating story would always be far more compelling than a dry description.