Gem Lore

Qing Imperial Pearl Traditions: Freshwater & South Sea

Qing Imperial Pearl Traditions: Freshwater & So...

Pearls were the dragon's treasure in Qing imperial symbolism — Manchurian eastern pearls reserved for the emperor, South Sea tribute pearls in imperial headdresses, and 108-bead chaozhu necklaces marking court...

Qing Imperial Pearl Traditions: Freshwater & So...

Pearls were the dragon's treasure in Qing imperial symbolism — Manchurian eastern pearls reserved for the emperor, South Sea tribute pearls in imperial headdresses, and 108-bead chaozhu necklaces marking court...

Qing Imperial Amber Traditions: Baltic & Burmese

Qing Imperial Amber Traditions: Baltic & Burmese

Amber was the golden stone of the Qing court — Baltic amber via the Silk Road and Burmese blood amber carved into rank insignia, chaozhu beads, and auspicious sculptures. Discover...

Qing Imperial Amber Traditions: Baltic & Burmese

Amber was the golden stone of the Qing court — Baltic amber via the Silk Road and Burmese blood amber carved into rank insignia, chaozhu beads, and auspicious sculptures. Discover...

Qing Imperial Jade Traditions: Hetian & Jadeite

Qing Imperial Jade Traditions: Hetian & Jadeite

The Qing Dynasty brought China's 5,000-year jade tradition to its greatest expression — Hetian nephrite for sacred ritual objects, Burmese imperial green jadeite for Cixi's jewelry, and the Qianlong Emperor's...

Qing Imperial Jade Traditions: Hetian & Jadeite

The Qing Dynasty brought China's 5,000-year jade tradition to its greatest expression — Hetian nephrite for sacred ritual objects, Burmese imperial green jadeite for Cixi's jewelry, and the Qianlong Emperor's...

Empress Dowager Cixi's Jewelry: Dragon Lady's Gems

Empress Dowager Cixi's Jewelry: Dragon Lady's Gems

Empress Dowager Cixi assembled the most spectacular jewelry collection in Chinese imperial history — jadeite sculptures, over a ton of California tourmaline, pearl cloaks, and burial jewelry looted in 1928....

Empress Dowager Cixi's Jewelry: Dragon Lady's Gems

Empress Dowager Cixi assembled the most spectacular jewelry collection in Chinese imperial history — jadeite sculptures, over a ton of California tourmaline, pearl cloaks, and burial jewelry looted in 1928....

Qing Dynasty Imperial Jewelry: Complete Guide

Qing Dynasty Imperial Jewelry: Complete Guide

The Qing Dynasty (1644–1912) produced one of history's most distinctive jewelry traditions — combining ancient Chinese jade reverence with Manchu bold color aesthetics, kingfisher feathers, California tourmaline, and an elaborate...

Qing Dynasty Imperial Jewelry: Complete Guide

The Qing Dynasty (1644–1912) produced one of history's most distinctive jewelry traditions — combining ancient Chinese jade reverence with Manchu bold color aesthetics, kingfisher feathers, California tourmaline, and an elaborate...

Mughal Gemstone Traditions: Persian & Indian Fusion

Mughal Gemstone Traditions: Persian & Indian Fu...

Mughal jewelry was born from the fusion of Persian spiritual gemology and Indian Navaratna traditions — creating a gemstone culture of unparalleled sophistication. Discover how two great traditions merged in...

Mughal Gemstone Traditions: Persian & Indian Fu...

Mughal jewelry was born from the fusion of Persian spiritual gemology and Indian Navaratna traditions — creating a gemstone culture of unparalleled sophistication. Discover how two great traditions merged in...