Gemstones used in Ancient Chinese Jewelry: Gemstones used included Jade and Diamonds The Influences of Ancient Chinese Jewelry What influenced Ancient Chinese Jewelry? Many Chinese jewellery designs were religious, containing various Buddhist symbols, scrolls, flowers, winged birds, dragons and the phoenix. Men and women wore items of jewelry as symbols of their wealth and status. The most popular pieces included headdresses, necklaces, pectorals, temple and coin pendants, bracelets, rings, seal rings, head jewelry, anklets and diadems. It was traditional for men wore one earring and women to wear a pair of earrings. The use of Jade in Ancient Chinese Jewelry Jade is valued by the Chinese more than any other gemstone. Jade is the term which is applied to forms of jadeite and nephrite. Although similar in appearance jadeite is considered the true jade and valued much higher than nephrite. Chinese Jade comes from the most westerly point of China in today Xinjiang (Khotan, Yarkand). Jade was used to make jewelry as early as the Neolithic period. However, Jade carving became a sophisticated art during the Shang dynasty (1600–1050 B.C.). Jade symbolizes nobility, prosperity, perfection and immortality and it is also believed that Jade possesses the power of luck. A tradition adopted in China is to give a gift of jade as an expression of love. Ancient Chinese Jewelry Ancient Chinese Jewelry designs and fashion included scrolls, flowers, turtles, winged birds, dragons and the phoenix. Dyed feathers were added to further enhance jewellery. The dragon is a mythical beast symbolising benevolence, intelligence and good will. Turtles are regarded as divine animals in Chinese culture and symbolize longevity. Such animals are carved in Jade. For a comprehensive and impartial guide to buying diamonds we highly recommend: Diamonds are Forever History - Facts - Information -Info - Gems - Gemstones - Precious - Stones - Guide - History - Birthstones - Rings - Bracelets - Earrings - Necklaces - Fashion - Design - Jade |