People who value Chinese style jewelry want to know why it is so different from what is found in the West. There are many and various kinds of jewelry to be carefully considered by any buyer. Some of the options in Chinese jewelry would include headdresses, necklaces, pectorals, coin pendants, bracelets, rings, seal rings, head jewelry, anklets, diadems, and even more. In the practice of making ancient Chinese jewelry gemstones were often included with Jade and Diamonds in order to create a truly beautiful piece to admire. The story of China's jewelry industry is quite compelling. Let us begin without any further delay!
The established practice of jewelry making in China began 5,000 years ago. This occurred during the Yangtze Delta's Middle Neolithic Yang-shao and Lungshanoid cultures. Chinese jewelry designs started to develop slowly over time. In fact, different and unusual design motifs were employed. These often had specific religious meaning. These were traditionally used in Buddhist ceremonies. The dragon and the phoenix were very popular motifs in the earliest examples of Chinese jewelry. These trends have remained constant to the present time. The dragon symbol is a special one for the Chinese. The dragon represents the powers of nature and the universe. This symbol is associated with wisdom and longevity. It is interesting that the "five-clawed" dragon was also a symbol of Chinese emperors. On the other hand, the symbol of the phoenix, or "fenghuang," was the symbol of the Chinese empress!
The earring was one of the common items of Chinese jewelry. It could be worn by either a man or a woman. It did not matter that both genders could wear this type of jewelry. In fact, earrings could be very complicated and also quite large in size. Early Chinese jewelry was fashioned by using silver as the dominant metal. In addition, modest amounts of gold and bronze were frequently included in the forming process. Without any doubt, one of the most prized material used in this kind of jewelry was jade. It came to be known popularly as "Chinese Imperial Jade." Human like attributes, such as beauty and toughness, came to be associated with Jade. The material jade was used as a talisman to protect the wearer of the jewelry. It also became a kind of "status symbol" which was believed to indicate the dignity, grace, and superior morality of the wearer.
Most of the jade used in China before the 17th and 18th centuries was nephrite. This type is also known as "Ming Jade." It may be of interest to note an ancient Chinese proverb: "Gold is estimable, but Jade is priceless." In China this belief had tremendous influence upon the culture and also upon its choice of personal decor in many different ways. Early jade rings show evidence of being fashioned with a very old type of compound milling machine. Saltwater pearls were another Chinese gem that became very popular. It is a fact that the color "blue" was an Imperial color. It was used to designate royalty and/or rank. Blue enamelling was used to embellish royal ornamentation. This identification of the color "blue" with special importance is no less true today in China. Blue kingfisher feathers were infrequently affixed to jewelry head pieces as decorative accents.
As stated at the beginning of this article, both genders commonly could wear jewelry. The purpose was to show both nobility and wealth to other people. Women tended to wear an assortment of jewelry. Such pieces might include headdresses or simple headbands. These were sometimes quite similar to the ones worn in the Indus Valley. Jewelry, religious amulets, and other decorative pieces were frequently placed inside the graves of the dead. This was done at the time of burial. Rulers, high officials, and certainly Emperors were buried with jade artifacts in order to protect them in the afterlife.
One might ask a question at this point. What is the most popular gemstone materials used today in China? Well, not very much has changed up to the present time in regard to the choices of manufactured Chinese jewelry. Pearls (both freshwater and saltwater), jade (both nephrite and jadeite), and cloisonne enamelling remain at the top of the list. China is a country that has not forgotten its history. These gems and other pieces of jewelry are very important parts of their culture, their national heritage, and even their own spirituality. To own a piece of Chinese jewelry and wear it with confidence is a unique experience. Knowing as much as you can about China's jewelry fashions makes such gifts even more special!
Harlan Urwiler answering all your Asian collectibles questions.

Like a bouquet of flowers or a box of chocolates, a set of jewelry is one of the most famous symbols of love that a man gives to a woman. But it is the longevity of jewelry in comparison to the other aforementioned signs of love that makes it different, and it is even used by married couples as a sign of their devotion and commitment to one another.
But aside from wedding rings, there are other couples jewelry sets that are available out there in the market, all of which are perfect gifts and symbols of love for both males and females.The appeal that comes with buying it is that their matching designs also serve as statements to the rest of the world that the wearers of the jewelry are happy together and that unlike many other people who are finding their partners in life, they have successfully found theirs.
Another selling point is that most jewelry stores that sell them are very much open to customization according to the taste of the couple who will be wearing them. The names of the partners, memorable dates, and even memorable sayings are the most common designs that are embedded in these sets, for it truly makes these jewelry sets one of a kind. Aside from the names of couples, matching color schemes and designs are also common trends when it comes to the personalization of it.
In the olden days, it was only those who hail from royalty and a selected few from the elite classes who were able to avail of couple jewelry sets, but, in thanks to the emergence of many jewelry companies and the development of many technological advances, it have now been made available even for people who are dwelling in the middle class. Several jewelry companies are now even attempting to make their products accessible to a wider set of audience, thus proving that almost any couple nowadays can purchase sets as a sign of their love for each other.
There are several things to be considered when buying these sets, foremost of which is the kind of jewelry that the couple will choose to purchase as a token of their love to each other. Aside from rings, necklaces, pendants, charms, and bracelets can also be used by couples as couples jewelry sets. Another decision that couples need to make when it comes to the selection is the material or metal which will comprise their jewelry sets.
Palladium, platinum, bronze, and sterling silver are other options aside from the time-honored gold material, and there are even plenty of choices when it comes to gold jewelry sets, there are 14k, 18k, 22k, and gold-plated jewelry sets out there for couples to choose from. And finally, as embellishments and finishing touches to couples jewelry sets, diamonds and other birthstones can be added to these sets. Furthermore, they may also be personalized, which is what most couples do by choosing their own birthstones to add to their sets.
Once a couple decides on giving themselves couple jewelry sets, they are not only giving the perfect gift to each other, because these sets are never just gifts. They are also investments and additions to collections of jewels, and, above all, a token and symbol of everlasting love by the partners to each other.

When I first started looking for selling gold jewelry tips, I came across a lot of confusing information, and quite frankly, I found a lot of garbage out there. My goal is to help you identify the resources that will help you get the most money for your gold jewelry if you are deciding to sell your jewelry for extra cash during these very difficult economic times. These are not tips to help you get the most money if you are looking to pawn your precious items. These tips will help you navigate some of the different options that you have when looking for the best place to sell your gold.
Tip Number 1
Think twice before selling your unwanted gold to pawn shops. Why, because this type of gold buyer is simply a middle-man that is making a profit off of your gold. The pawn shop will make the lowest offer possible for your gold so his profits will be maximized when the gold is resold to a refinery. I have absolutely nothing against pawn shops. Finding great buys in local pawn shops has been a hobby of mine for many years. If you want to find a great used home theater system, bicycle or lawnmower, go to a pawn shop and I am most certain that you will find a great buy for items like these. But if you are wanting to sell your gold and actually make a real profit, consider other options before selling your gold items to a pawn shop.
Tip Number 2
Hesitate before you run to your local jeweler to sell your unwanted gold. If you have a very nice piece of gold jewelry that is well made and has a lot of value as being a crafted piece of precious metal, then a jewelry store may be your best option. But if you have broken gold earrings or unwanted various gold items, local jewelry stores simply have no real interest in re-selling those types items. They may be willing to buy your scrap gold, but they are just not going to offer you very much money.
Tip Number 3
Think about finding an online gold buyer. If you have not heard of this type of gold buyer, let me fill you in on how they work. Typically you will navigate to their website where you will enter your information to receive a free mailing kit so you can send them your unwanted gold by mail. The different online gold buyers call it different things and describe it in different ways, but they basically offer the same service. Their overheads are low and many of them actually don't advertise a whole lot. Since their advertising costs and other overheads are low, they typically offer a higher cash payout for your gold than pawn shops or jewelry stores. Yep, it's as simple as that.