Jewelry with an Asian Twist

The jewelry of China, Japan, India, Bali, and Tibet is explored. Nations of Asia inspire some of the most unique jewelry in the world. Elegant artistry coupled with a myriad of Asian motifs make eastern jewelry prized by women who collect it or simply like to wear it. The following article discusses a wide variety of Asian-inspired jewelry available from artisans, designers, and jewelry sellers today.

Jade is generally held in high regard throughout the Orient, but the quality of jade and jade-like jewelry runs the gamut. The most sought-after jade, and most expensive, is jadeite. Jadeite can be green, pink, and even red. Jadeite is harder than nephrite, a slightly inferior jade, but also rarer.

Jade lovers will be greeted by many types of jewelry comprised of jade. Bangles in milky green shades or pendants that feature crosses, elephants, lotus flowers or circles are just some of jade jewelry.

While China is known for many jewelry types, its beads stretch back to 3000 B.C.
The Chinese have worn beads as ornaments from that time through the present. Today, Chinese beads may be made from precious materials like jade or less-expensive materials like clay or glass. Many Chinese beaded jewels incorporate a wide color spectrum. Carved beads often display Chinese symbols like dragons.

Asian designs incorporated into silver and filigree pieces make for striking combinations. Tibetan rings, for example, demonstrate the hand-pulled wire technique known as filigree. Tell-tale Tibetan patterns comprise wide ring bands with their intricate swirls.

Jewelry styles of India often incorporate some of the world’s most intricate and precious jewels. Rare stones in an array of colors often decorate Indian jewelry. Valuable pieces might showcase sapphires, rubies, and even colored diamonds. Many pieces of Indian jewelry harbor a spiritual side.

Stylistically, the jewelry of Asia is all over the map, but its exotic qualities always seem to demonstrate an Oriental mystique. Look for great artistry coupled with fine materials.