VIBE

Since it opened in the 1930s, this quaint family-run jewelry boutique has witnessed many of the key events in China’s contemporary history. Drawing on that heritage, second-generation designer Hu Songlin uses remnants of Ming and Qing Dynasty vases smashed during the Cultural Revolution to create her signature “shard boxes”–delicate jewelry boxes with insets of the precious white and blue fragments. She also crafts a lovely range of earrings and pendants, as well as carries other accessories including cufflinks, money clips, and non-ceramic necklaces and earrings (we got a fabulous tiger eye necklace here!).

USE A PURCHASE FROM HERE FOR

A gift; a unique souvenir

WHY WE LIKE IT

The shard boxes are gorgeous. Add to that their touching and interesting connection to Chinese history, and they make a lovely one-of-a-kind gift or souvenir.

GOOD TO KNOW

Jewelry can be made to order, and you can arrange overseas shipping if you won’t be in town to pick up your finished piece. International credit cards accepted. Don’t expect much in the way of bargaining; however, if you buy multiple pieces, you should try for a 10-15% discount.

OTHER LOCATIONS

Chaoyang (Beijing)