Introducing The Warisan Diadem Collection

A Celebration of Rich Peranakan History 

Much of Choo Yilin’s design inspirations have come from the very rich history of the Peranakans. With the latest Choo Yilin creations, The Warisan Diadem, we honour their legacy of absorbing and celebrating disparate cultures; influences from the Chinese, South Asians, Arabs, Dutch, Portuguese, the Malay Archipelago, and Queen Victoria’s England were woven in together to create a distinct aesthetic that could not be found anywhere else.

A Nyonya dressed in a signature outfit, including an elaborate crown.

Image credit: Straits Chinese Gold Jewellery: The Private Collection of Peter Soon by Lillian Tong

A Straits Chinese couple on their wedding day. Notice the crown.

Image credit: Straits Chinese Gold Jewellery: The Private Collection of Peter Soon by Lillian Tong

A Straits Chinese couple in their western fine jewellery. Note the head gear, a Diadem. 

Image credit: Straits Chinese Gold Jewellery: The Private Collection of Peter Soon by Lillian Tong

Image credit: Straits Chinese Gold Jewellery: The Private Collection of Peter Soon by Lillian Tong

A Peranakan bride's wedding head gear, up close. 

Image credit: Straits Chinese Gold Jewellery: The Private Collection of Peter Soon by Lillian Tong

This elaborate headdress for a bride comprises of silver, copper, sausa, gold and diamonds. 

Image credit: Straits Chinese Gold Jewellery: The Private Collection of Peter Soon by Lillian Tong

This Diadem belonged to a daughter of a wealthy Peranakan household. 

Image credit: Straits Chinese Gold Jewellery: The Private Collection of Peter Soon by Lillian Tong

Image credit: Straits Chinese Gold Jewellery: The Private Collection of Peter Soon by Lillian Tong

An Emerald and diamond tiara once belonging to a Peranakan family, in a distinctive Western style. 

Image credit: Straits Chinese Gold Jewellery: The Private Collection of Peter Soon by Lillian Tong

Tale-telling Treasures: A Story of LifE

Whilst researching the history of Peranakan jewellery, we were moved by the tradition of Peranakan women wearing fine jewellery throughout their entire lives —

First, as a precious newborn, one would typically receive talismans, which acted as protective emblems. Then, a young female would be gifted delicate, dainty kerosangs and earrings by their parents as she came of age.

And this culture of marking milestones with fine jewellery continued when a woman married, gave birth, and oftentimes when they mourned loved ones. 

The zenith of a Peranakan woman’s jewellery could be witnessed on her wedding day, where her brilliant trousseau would include elaborate necklaces, earrings, and kerosangs.

Perhaps the most exquisite of them all would be the bridal headpiece. The symbolism of these crowns were rich and layered, representing dignity and status and good fortune; themes that carried across from the different cultures as well - from the Monarchs and Aristocrats in Europe, to the Emperors and their concubines in China. 

Modern-day Crown Jewels

Our newest collection features Choo Yilin’s signature Type A Ice Jade cabochons, with a halo of diamonds resembling chunky old mine cut diamonds of the Victorian era, and set in dual-coloured 18KT gold, reminiscent of that age.

The Warisan Diadem Collection was designed to capture the essence of these iconic crowns that belonged to the wealthy Peranakan families; a 21st Century representation conveying the same sense of royalty, dignity, and preciousness. It is our hope that you feel that deep sense of pride, protection, and good fortune each time you slip the pieces on.  

Shop the Warisan Diadem collection at The Digital Trunk Show from 26th to 28th January 2024, exclusively on chooyilin.com.