Colored Glaze Jewelry

Chinese Liuli, or “colored glaze,” is a perfect integration of ancient culture and modern art. With more than two thousand years of history, Liuli is currently made using dewaxed casting and artificial crystals. The entire process may take up to 20 days for each figurine. Each one must be exquisite, bright and limpid.

In the Bai Gong Handicraft Museum near the Beijing Guang Xi Hotel, I found a shop named “Bai Yi De Kun.” There are many gorgeous colored glaze items displayed in the shop. Also, they offer many necklaces, pendants, and bracelets.

After talking with the shop owner, I learned that Liuli is as hard as jade, even though it looks like glass. She showed me the most popular item in her shop, a beautiful pendant named “Yuan Meng,” which means “realizing one’s dream.” The blue was so translucent and shiny, and hung beautifully from a 14K white gold necklace. It was so mysterious and gorgeous, no wonder it was so popular.

You can also find some crafts fit for presents or gifts, such as a screen decorated with traditional Chinese images, all of them are high quality items.

Fantastic Silverware!

Situated on the Dong Si South Street close to the Beijing Fraternal Cooperation Hotel, Qian LongTang (Pure Silver Life) is the place for finding sterling silver flatware, silver accessories, and amber ware. They have rare antiques and contemporary designs.

At the first glance, you may feel the products in the shop are similar to those at other shops. But if you look closer, you will find the unique material and exquisite craftsmanship come from Nepal, India, and Tibet.

The most popular item is a classical silver ring featuring a 4mm square gem in the middle, with 2.5mm stones on the sides that alternate blue and clear. This polished sterling silver ring is priced at RMB 388.

Prices for the products there range generally from RMB 10 to RMB 1,000. The shop owner himself is from Nepal and speaks a little English. He knows nearly everything about the products and will help you to find the right fit.