Jewelry is items which you wear for your adornment, such as rings, necklaces, brouches, earrings, and bracelets. Based on different cultures, jewelry can be made from any material like gemstones, precious metals, shells and any other material.
Jewelry is derived from the word jewel, which was anglicized from the old French word joule. Jewelry is one of the oldest forms of body adornment, a 100,000 year old bead which was recently discovered made from Nassarius shells are thought to be one of the oldest.
Asian jewelry has a history of over 5000 years in jewelry making. The people from the Indus valley civilization were one of the first people to start making Asian jewelry.
Chinese jewelry making started around the same time, it became widespread with Buddhism around 2,000 years ago. Chinese designs were symbolic of their religion and had Buddhist symbols, which is a tradition that is present even today.
The Chinese used more silver then gold in their jewelry and usually decorated it with their favorite color, blue. Earlier Blue kingfisher feathers were tied unto the earlier Chinese jewelry and then later on blue gems and glass was also used in the designs. Jade was the most favored stone and was designed with diamonds. Jade was one of the important materials used in Chinese Jewelry. It was also known as Chinese Imperial Jade. Chinese people regard jade with human like attributes such as beauty and toughness. Jade was also a status symbol indicating diginity, morality and grace of the wearer. It was also used as a talisman to protect the wearer.
Jade used before the 17th and 18th centuries, was nephrite which was also known as 'Ming Jade'. Saltwater pearls were another gem that was popular in China.
Chinese jewelry was worn by both men and women in order to show off their nobility and status. Later on Chinese jewelry was used to accentuate beauty. While the women wore highly detailed gold and silver head dresses and other items the men wore decorative hat buttons, which indicated their rank and gold or silver rings.
Chinese earrings were the most common piece of jewelry worn by both men and women. Women also wore strips of gold on their forehead similarly to the women in the Indus valley. The band was an earlier form of tiara and usually decorated with precious gems.
Another piece of Chinese jewelry was the amulet which had a Chinese symbol or dragon. Chinese jewelry designs have dragons, Chinese symbols and also phoenixes depicted on them. These motifs were the mostly used on Chinese jewelry. Chinese jewelry usually was buried with their owners.
Now in China, freshwater and saltwater pearls, jade (nephrite and jadeite) and cloisonné enameling are the favored gemstone materials. These gems are an important part of their culture, heritage and spirituality and the Chinese don’t forget the past.
How to care for you Chinese Jewelry
Do you have a great collection of Chinese jewelry or are you planning to buy a nice piece of Chinese Jewelry? Maybe you want to preserve your existing Chinese jewelry collection for your children or your loved ones, an heirloom you can pass on.
Below are a few simple tips of ensuring your jewelry is in good condition for a long time.
First separate your valuable jewelry from the costume jewelry and keep them separate in each jewelry box. Also make sure you organize all your jewelry i.e. bracelets, earrings, rings, necklaces etc.
There are five types of jewelry cleaners you can use namely; a chemical from a jewelry store, cloth, natural and store bought, and plain old toothpaste. Toothpaste is the most inexpensive and effective of the five and it does not harm the jewelry.
Chinese earrings: Earrings are very noticeable. You will find Chinese earrings are mostly made from jade, silver and pearls. Chinese designs on earrings will have dragons, double happiness symbols, Chinese symbols, and also religious symbols. We have a great collection of Chinese earrings you can choose from. Each Chinese earring is hand crafted and made of the finest material. Our designs are great eye catchers. Our 14K gold dragon earrings are ideal for a formal evening party. Or if you want to be inspired and be positive, try our double happiness earrings. Our Happiness earrings with pearls and amethyst are a great gift to give for your dear ones.
From daily use, your earrings tend to become dirty and even lack luster, this is because of dirt, link and soap buildup especially if you wear your earrings when taking bath. If your Chinese earring has a mother of pearl or opal, you should never immerse in chemical cleansers. It is best to use a good jewelry cloth which has been bought from your jewelers. If your earrings have diamonds, you can immerse them in chemical or use a toothbrush with paste. After cleaning ensure you rinse your Chinese earrings in cold water.
Chinese bracelets: We have a great range of stunning Chinese bracelets and are also made from different materials. Whether it’s the jade bracelet or the silver dragon bracelet, all jewelry needs to be cared for. Bracelets do not get dirty but they tend to get scratched, bent or dented. So you just need to be careful. Also avoid wearing your Chinese bracelet when washing dishes or taking a bath.
Chinese necklaces: Necklaces tend to take most work to clean because usually they are intricately designed. You need to use the jewelry cleaner for the small parts and use the cloth to make it shine. Before using jewelry cleaner, ensure that it can be used depending on the gemstone or material used for the necklace.
We have an enviable selection of Chinese necklaces ranging from shou porcelain necklaces to friendship necklaces. Take your pick from Our Chinese necklaces, which are suitable for all budgets and occasions.
