South-east Asia, and Singapore in particular, a small, multi-racial entrepot, enthused at the finer life of not just the British Isle or fashionable Paris, but at how Chinese in other places could be both Chinese and ‘Western’ at the same time. The lovingness at which overseas Chinese looked at Shanghai’s riot of life is surely reflected in their own adoption of art, fashion and jewellery.

An old mine cut diamond bangle and a lavender jade bangle. Two very distinct looks. But if you really see a woman wearing either bangle, the aura feels intriguing.

Jade and Turquoise are two very spiritual stones. Yes, they are really stones more than gems, although jadeite jade is regarded as a modern day precious gemstone.

Both are opaque in their beauty. Both suggest the sky is not clear if you cannot see.

Jade Diamond Necklace | Jade Diamond Drop Earrings | Gem Gardener

There are two types of rose cut diamonds seen in much of the jewelry in this region, specifically South-east Asia. One is the ‘Western’ rose cut diamond and the other is the Straits Chinese rose cut diamond (intan). The Straits Chinese rose cut diamond is quite similar to the Indian polki diamond, which is an Indian cut diamond slice.

Historically the Western rose cut is hand cleaved, much like the Straits Chinese rose cut diamond. Hand cleaved diamonds reveal techniques of hand-cutting, with uneven facets at the crown of the diamond.

A pair of birds perched above a heart, where all details are from light etchings, a technique typical of Straits Chinese jewellery from this region.

Antique Heart Cut Diamond Pendant