Chinese Multi-Gemstone Necklace-Export

The Jade Wedding set in my previous posting was an example of Chinese ornaments made for the Chinese market; the symbols have little meaning for the Westerner.

[click on images to enlarge photos by: RidgewoodEntrust]

This is an example of what I call Chinese export silver jewelry. This multi-gemstone necklace is from the first quarter of the 20th century. Tourmaline, jade, amethyst, rose quartz and blue quartz set in vermeil.

The design is targeted to appeal to the non-Asian market but contains traditional Chinese details.

The round link that contains a square represents a Chinese coin in/good fortune…but it also works as a contrast with the jeweled links…


The gemstones are decorated with flowers and grapes-fertility symbols in China…but also popular symbols for Westerners.

Chinese Wedding Set-Jade and Silver

It seems appropriate to start June with a a set of ornaments associated with weddings... in this case a Buddhist wedding.

[click on images to enlarge photos by: RidgewoodEntrust]

This set of nephrite jade, silver, and coral earrings and clip are carved with such delicacy that from a distance they look like lace.

The jade in the clip is carved with two figures standing on each side of a large vase. The figures, bald and smiling are commonly referred to as the Heavenly Twins or Hoho Twins or Hehe-Erxian Twins...they symbolize perfect partnership...they are Buddhist monks who also guard the home and protect marriages. The vase between them symbolizes peace and harmony and is decorated with the Shou symbol for long life.



Now look closely at the bouquet of flowers that come out of the vase. Are you shocked, surprised? According to Wikipedia evidence of swastika ornaments goes back to the stone age - in Asia that would be about 7500 BC ...and the swastika was widely used in religions such as Buddhism. It symbolizes 10,000 blessings, immortality infinity and the heart of Buddha.

On the earrings we see the twins again ...this time each of them carrying a lotus, another symbol for marital bliss. The coral balls that enhance the earrings are miniature works of art...the tiny coral beads are strung on silk cord and then sewn over a wooden ball. This salmon coral was imported from the Mediterranean and was highly prized by the Chinese...only the wealthiest families could afford it.

May the Hoho Twins and 10,000 blessings visit all the couples who marry this June...