Photo courtesy of Chow Tai Fook
The intricate meanings of Chinese symbolisms are unveiled in gold by Chow Tai Fook in Hong Kong
Since its founding in 1929, Chow Tai Fook has stood on the principles of happiness and good fortune throughout its practice of creating gold jewelry. From its first store opening in Guangzhou, China, the brand now prides itself with over seven thousand stores scattered throughout South East Asia and even in the United States and Canada.
In celebration of its recent collaboration with The Palace Museum, Chow Tai Fook intertwines its decade-spanning heritage in goldsmithing with the historical artifacts found within the Beijing landmark. The partnership also serves as the brand’s way of preserving and modernizing select pieces from the museum while also exercising and showcasing their craftsmanship to a modern audience.
Similar to the two sides of a coin, the Gold Pendant with Gemstones centers its design on dragon iconography within a spinnable inner band made of gold, diamond, and jade. As a symbol of prosperity and unity, both sides of the pendant depicts one dragon riding the clouds on one side, and two dancing around a pearl on the other.
The inner pendant is then enclosed by an outer band made with gold and jade to serve as a subtle mention of the precious stone’s meaning of good fortune as well as a contrasting color against the encompassing gold construction.
With intricate flower patterns seen constructing the bangle’s inner structure, and gemstones embedded with meanings rooted in Chinese folklore, the Gold and Gemstone Bangle holds its details close only to the wearer. The country’s traditional depiction of a Lion can also be seen on both ends of the bangle as a way to integrate the animal’s inherent meaning of strength, royalty and superiority.
Inspired by a particular painting within the Palace Museum depicting a butterfly flying about a begonia plant, Chow Tai Fook’s master goldsmiths have crafted a triple-layered pendant which also serves as a talisman synonymous to the meanings that butterflies represent in Chinese culture.
See more of the Chow Tai Fook x The Palace Museum Jewellery Collection through their website, or follow their Instagram @chowtaifookjewellery
