The Ageless Beauty of Chinese Jewels

People who like Chinese jewelry, pendants, and amulets know why these are so special.  Granted, there are a plethora of jewelry to choose from in the Asian marketplace.  Some of these would include headdresses, necklaces, pectorals, coin pendants, bracelets, rings, seal rings, head jewelry, anklets diadems, and even more.  In the practice of creating ancient Chinese jewelry gemstones were often included with Jade and Diamonds to fashion a truly enchanting piece.  The old story is very fascinating, and it continues to influence the modern jewelry of Asia we see today.

The established practice itself began about 5,000 years ago.  The occurred during the Yangtze Delta's Middle Neolithic Yang-shao and Lungshanoid cultures.  Chinese jewelry designs evolved gradually over time.  In fact, different motifs were used along the way.  The dragon and the phoenix were very popular motifs in the early examples of Chinese jewelry.  These trends have certained remained constant to the present time!  The dragon symbol is a special one indeed.  The dragon represents the powers of nature and of the universe.  This symbol is associated with wisdom and longevity.  It is noteworthy that the "five-clawed" dragon was a symbol of the Chinese emperor.  The symbol of the phoenix indicated the Chinese empress.  The earring is one of the common items we see throughout history, and leading up to the present time.  It could be worn by either a man or a woman.  Both genders were free to display earrings.  In addition, Chinese earrings could be very complex and large. 

Early Chinese jewelry was fashioned by using silver as the primary metal.  Modest amounts of gold and bronze were often included in the forming process.  The most prized material used in this kind of jewelry was jade.  It also came to be known as "Ming Imperial Jade."  Attributes which we ascribe to human beings, such as beauty and toughness, gradually started to be associated with Jade.  The material jade was used a talisman to protect the wearer.  It also started to have a "status symbol."  It was believed that the wearer of jade had superior dignity, grace, and morality. 

Beauty is not something produced by any piece of jewelry.  However, the right kind of jewelry can enhance the quality of grace and beauty which is already possessed by the wearer.  Chinese jewelry has been influential throughout Asia.  However, there is still much more to discover about the jewelry.  Most importantly, don't neglect to improve the beauty you already have within yourself.  In doing so, your jewelry will do its job in the best possible way.  Warmest regards!

Harlan Urwiler

For more information, please feel free to visit my website at:  http://www.myorientalgallery.com/.