September 21st, 2009 by admin

Silverware and silver jewels were first made in China as early as 2,000 years ago. These dazzling, glittery silver items were ever very important in people’s life.

Silver hair clasps

In ancient China, both men and women had long hair reaching down to their waist. They usually made a hair bun on top, and secured it with a hair clasp.

At first, jade or ivory was used to make a hair clasp which usually had colorful turquoise stones adorned on its end. Later it was crafted with silver.

A silver hair clasp featured beautiful patterns of plants, animals, and flowers engraved on its surface, which usually symbolized good luck and expressed good wishes.

Silver hats

A Chinese Mongolian silver hat was crafted with silver threads and slices. The whole hat was adorned with coral, pearls, emeralds, or gems. More than 200 years ago, it was regarded as the best dower the parents could offer for their daughters.

Silver longevity locks

A longevity lock was a kind of neckband worn by children to wish for a happy and long life in ancient times. It originated from a colorful silk band worn around the arms to drive away evil spirits. In the Qing dynasty about 300 years ago, silver was used to craft a longevity lock that featured a chaplet with some silver danglers hanging off of it.

The shape of these danglers varied a lot. Some looked like a real lock, and others were like butterflies. In the Chinese language, the pronunciation of the word of butterfly is the same as that of longevity.

Silver rings

Rings in Chinese literally mean “restraint on fingers.” In ancient times, rings were worn by a woman to show that she was owned by her husband.

Later this improper meaning slowly faded. A ring became a piece of unique silver jewelry popular with common women.

A Chinese silver ring is usually carved with designs of flowers, plants, and animals. Sometimes it’s embellished with colorful bells or gems.

Very rarely, a silver ring includes three, four, or even nine rings linked together. Wearing them on your fingers is sure to get lots of attention.

To read more about Chinese silver jewelry, visit this site with some fantastic sterling silver jewelry!