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ASIA THROUGH THE AGES

Qing Kingfisher Blossom Earrings

Qing Kingfisher Blossom Earrings

Regular price £72.00 GBP
Regular price Sale price £72.00 GBP
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The brilliant blossoms of Qing, reborn as jewels.

Created exclusively for the British Museum's China's hidden century exhibition, these turquoise enamel flower earrings surround natural amethyst in a contemporary tribute to the brilliant kingfisher ornaments of Qing China.
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DETAILS

HISTORICAL INSPIRATION

The Qing Kingfisher Blossom Earrings were created exclusively for the British Museum's China's hidden century exhibition and take inspiration from the elaborate floral jewellery and hair ornaments of Qing dynasty China. Among the most visually striking historic techniques was kingfisher-feather ornament, in which intensely blue iridescent feathers were carefully applied to the surfaces of jewellery and decorative objects. A surviving Qing hairpin preserved by the National Palace Museum, Taipei combines kingfisher feather with pearl in a delicate floral arrangement, providing a beautiful historical parallel for Shinar's flower design. The earrings contain no kingfisher feather. Instead, vivid turquoise ceramic enamel recreates the brilliant blue-green colour, while a polished natural amethyst forms the centre of each blossom.

MATERIAL

18ct gold plated stainless steel

PENDANT SIZE

Amethyst 6mm

CARE

To keep your jewellery looking its best, gently wipe with a soft cloth after wear and store separately when not in use.

Avoid abrasive cleaners, polishing compounds and anything that may scratch or unnecessarily wear the plated surface.

DELIVERY & RETURNS

Your Shinar jewellery will arrive carefully packaged and ready to give — or to keep.

UK and international delivery options, costs and estimated delivery times are shown at checkout.

Eligible unworn jewellery may be returned in accordance with our Returns Policy.

OUR GUARANTEE

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THE STORY

The Blue Blossoms of Qing China

Few colours in historic jewellery are as captivating as the brilliant blue of Chinese kingfisher ornament.

During the Qing dynasty, tiny sections of iridescent kingfisher feather were applied to jewellery and hair ornaments, creating surfaces that shimmered between turquoise and luminous blue as the light moved across them.

Flowers were particularly suited to this extraordinary technique. Petals could be outlined in metal and filled with brilliant colour, transforming botanical forms into intricate pieces of wearable art.

One surviving Qing hairpin combines a floral composition with kingfisher feather and pearl, preserving the extraordinary craftsmanship and colour of this tradition.

The Qing Kingfisher Blossom Earrings reinterpret that visual language without using kingfisher feather.

Eight turquoise ceramic-enamel petals surround a rich 6 mm natural amethyst, translating the intense colour and floral symmetry of Qing ornament into contemporary jewellery.

Created exclusively for the British Museum's China's hidden century exhibition and designed to match the Qing Kingfisher Blossom Necklace, they carry the colour and delicacy of Qing jewellery into a new form.

The brilliant blossoms of Qing, reborn as jewels.

WEAR THE PAST.
The Blue Blossoms of Qing China
ARCHIVE NOTE
HAIRPIN INLAID WITH PEARL AND KINGFISHER FEATHER IN FLORAL SHAPE
China · Qing dynasty (1644–1911) · Kingfisher feather and pearl
National Palace Museum, Taipei · CC BY 4.0
DESIGNED FOR EVERYDAY LIFE

MADE FOR THE AGES

THE SHINAR STANDARD

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DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL

Made from hard-wearing stainless steel, chosen for strength and durability.

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18CT GOLD PLATED

Finished in our rich 18ct gold for the warmth and character of fine gold jewellery.

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WATERPROOF

Designed to go wherever you do — waterproof for everyday wear, from the shower to the pool and sea.

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SHINAR GUARANTEE

Designed for lasting wear and supported by the Shinar Jewels guarantee.

ANCIENT INSPIRATION · MODERN MATERIALS · MADE FOR THE AGES