The Estate Collection No. 2 - Phoenix Tail Earrings
The phoenix is regarded as one of the most auspicious symbols in Chinese culture; an immortal bird whose rare appearance is said to be an omen foretelling harmony at the ascent to the throne of a new emperor and empress.
This style of earrings originated in the Peranakan community in the 1920s. Curators have assessed that this particular pair of Phoenix Tail earrings crafted in 20KT gold was likely created in the 1960s; the extremely high gold content was a reflection of a country that had steadily recovered from the war and was finding its economic footing.
This pair of earrings was likely commissioned by a wealthy Peranakan family for a bride-to-be. It represents beauty, grace and high virtue. It is also meant to symbolise the bride. It is believed that this piece was kept in the family through the bride’s daughters and granddaughters after, before eventually finding its way to the estate market and then to us, its temporary guardians.
It has now been re-imagined with two sets of detachable Type A custom cut jade cabochons and brilliant cut diamonds.
Choo Yilin Phoenix Tail Earrings with single luminous jade cabochons
Choo Yilin Phoenix Tail Earrings with detachable drops
The first with single luminous jade cabochons, set in a classical halo of diamonds, heavily milgrained. The diamond halo has seen countless interpretations over the centuries, and this one was a nod to the Victorian era (1837 to 1901), where Queen Victoria’s extensive and impressive jewellery collection influenced women across the globe to commission their own diamond halo jewellery.
The second set of detachable drops features custom cut Type A lavender jade in various shades, set in asymmetrically three-prong settings. This 21st Century setting juxtaposes very naturally against the 1960s’ 20KT gold vintage Phoenix Tail earring hooks.
This piece is part of a digital gallery exhibition and is not currently available for purchase.
The Estate Collection encompasses antique jewellery pieces thoughtfully restored to reflect our stories across time and continents — to honour history, to shape the present, and to hold space for what’s yet to unfold. Each piece is the only one of its kind in the world.
Read about The Estate collection and our founder's thoughts for more.