CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
TrendsApr 19, 2017
New Book Explores Silver Jewelry of the Late Qing Dynasty
“Bringing Heaven to Earth” explores an expansive private collection of carved and silver jewelry.
This is a close-up of an enameled court necklace, featured in “Bringing Heaven to Earth.” (Image courtesy of Paul Holberton Publishing)
New York--One historian has turned an inquisitive eye upon an expansive private collection of carved and silver jewelry from the late Qing dynasty.
“Bringing Heaven to Earth: Chinese Silver Jewellery and Ornament in the Late Qing Dynasty” explores works obtained by an unnamed prolific collector at North American art fairs between 2004 and 2012.
The author of the book is Elizabeth Herridge, former managing director of the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum, Las Vegas and currently a London-based specialist art and arts management consultant.
Without any notation of the collection’s provenance, Herridge went about analyzing the individual works.
She established that the items are from the late Qing dynasty and slightly beyond, from approximately 1860 to 1930.
Examining a silver and amethyst brooch depicting Buddhist and Daoist figure Guanyin, a protector of young children, with a young boy, Herridge determined that the piece, which appears on the book’s cover, could have been influenced by Western depictions of the Madonna and child.
Catholic missionaries came to China in the 16th century and images of the Madonna influenced porcelain makers of the Fujian province, Herridge explains, making it likely that the brooch was from that region, though from a later date.
The carving of the amethyst is exceptional, Herridge notes, due to the stone’s softness.
It is with this investigative and thorough eye that Herridge disseminates the works featured in “Bringing Heaven to Earth.”
The overwhelming majority of the collection feature carvings that Herridge says are distinctly Chinese in that they were carved from the outside in, though for some of the works she says it's possible that they were produced with wealthy Western tourists of the era in mind.
Daoist and Buddhist motifs like Guanyin, such as the Eight Immortals and the Hehe Twins, abound. Herridge contemplates whether many of these symbols, which were thought to bring luck in the form of happy marriages or the birth of sons, were worn in faith or as a signal to society of a person’s intentions or character.
Gemstones like lapis lazuli, jade, tourmaline, amethyst, rock crystal, rose quartz, carnelian and serpentine feature as carving canvases, as does silver itself, which is noteworthy because silver is “not specifically Chinese in character,” Herridge says.
Ultimately, Herridge’s tome presents more questions
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
than answers, but expertly begins to unwind the complicated histories of the collection.
Published by Ianthe Press in collaboration with Paul Holberton Publishing, “Bringnig Heaven to Earth: Chinese Silver Jewellery and Ornament in the Late Qing Dynasty” features a foreword by Frances Wood and is available on the Paul Holberton website.
Published by Ianthe Press in collaboration with Paul Holberton Publishing, “Bringnig Heaven to Earth: Chinese Silver Jewellery and Ornament in the Late Qing Dynasty” features a foreword by Frances Wood and is available on the Paul Holberton website.
More on Trends
The Latest
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
Weekly QuizFeb 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New AppRegistration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRFJewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards CategoryThe new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”
Policies & IssuesFeb 09, 2026
U.S., India Trade Deal One Step Closer to Being FinalizedThe White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.
Events & AwardsFeb 09, 2026
JA Now Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsEntries for the jewelry design competition will be accepted through March 20.
IndependentsFeb 09, 2026
James Free Jewelers Unveils Revamped FlagshipThe Ohio jeweler’s new layout features a curated collection of brand boutiques to promote storytelling and host in-store events.
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s DayFrom heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.
CrimeFeb 06, 2026
Florida Man Sentenced After Selling Fake Native American Jewelry for a Decade Prosecutors say the man attended arts and craft fairs claiming he was a third-generation jeweler who was a member of the Pueblo tribe.
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive ChangesNew CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.
TrendsFeb 06, 2026
Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi Wear Matching Cece Jewellery Signet RingsOur Piece of the Week picks are these bespoke rings the “Wuthering Heights” stars have been spotted wearing during the film’s press tour.
MajorsFeb 05, 2026
Pandora to Begin Selling Platinum-Plated JewelryThe introduction of platinum plating will reduce its reliance on silver amid volatile price swings, said Pandora.
SourcingFeb 05, 2026
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2026, Anglo Mulls Another WritedownIt would be the third impairment charge in three years on De Beers Group, which continues to grapple with a “challenging” diamond market.
