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On 27 July 2024, Imperial Harvest proudly unveiled its latest collection, the Royal Signet Collection, at a grand launch event titled “Signet Symphony of East and West”. The afternoon was a resplendent celebration, graced by over 250 distinguished guests who gathered to witness this remarkable fusion of Eastern and Western artistry.

Historical Significance and Inspiration

The Imperial Harvest Royal Signet Collection celebrates the rich tapestry of cultural exchange and artistic fusion between East and West during the Qing Dynasty’s Golden Age. This era, spanning from the 16th to the 18th centuries, was marked by bustling trading ports like Guangzhou (Canton). These hubs of global trade served as gateways for merchants, missionaries, and envoys from Europe. These exchanges facilitated the sharing of artistic and philosophical ideas, leading to a unique blend of Eastern and Western craftsmanship.

The Signet Ring Tradition

In Western culture, the signet ring boasts a rich history that stretches back to ancient Egypt and Rome, where it served as a mark of authenticity and authority. The term “signet” derives from the Latin word “signum,” meaning “sign”. In Western civilisations, world leaders and rulers adorned themselves with signet rings bearing their unique family crests. They used these rings to mark and seal important documents, wills, and deeds. By pressing their ring into hot wax, they left an indelible mark that signified the document’s authenticity and authority.

In the Imperial Courts, generations of Chinese Emperors commissioned Imperial Seals carved out of exquisite jadeite, sandalwood and agarwood to mark and seal important state documents. Similarly, in Western civilisations, signet rings bearing unique family crests were used to authenticate documents, wills, and deeds, symbolising the wearer’s rank, title, and heritage.

In both Chinese and Western cultures, the Imperial Seal and Signet ring were used to authenticate documents, letters, and legal agreements. In addition, they signified the owner’s status, making them tools to assert and recognise identity and prestige within a community.

During the Qing Golden Age, as trade between Imperial China and Western countries flourished, the Chinese royal family embraced the culture of wearing signet rings. During the illustrious reigns of Emperors Qian Long and Kang Xi, Imperial craftsmen began to integrate advanced Western techniques such as lapidary, enamelling, and inlay into the fine jewellery worn by the Emperor and other members of the royal family.

These artisans employed enamelling techniques and used precious Chinese gemstones like Jadeite to recreate the signet ring with Chinese aesthetics. This innovation transformed the traditional signet rings once worn by Western rulers and leaders, bringing a new level of sophistication and cultural integration to the jewellery, marking a significant evolution in the craftsmanship of the era.

Craftsmanship and Design

In the Imperial Harvest Royal Signet Collection, we reinterpret the traditional signet rings worn by generations of Chinese and Western rulers. Drawing inspiration from the design elements and colour codes of the Temple of Heaven, we have crafted a distinctive series of pendants, earrings, and bracelets. These exquisite pieces convey the auspicious meanings of power, wealth, and authority, embodying the rich heritage and timeless elegance of the imperial tradition.

The collection also reflects the influence of Western artistic elements that were integrated into Chinese art, resulting in a unique blend that is echoed in the modern east-meets-west aesthetic of the Royal Signet Collection. This fusion of styles creates a harmonious balance, celebrating the sophisticated craftsmanship and cultural integration that defines the collection.

Each of the five elements in Chinese culture has a corresponding colour and gemstone: Amethyst for Fire (Lavender), Citrine for Earth (Yellow), White Topaz for Metal (White), Onyx for Water (Black), and Tourmaline for Wood (Green).

Signet Ring-Inspired 18K Solid Gold Setting

Just as each signet ring bears the unique family crest of a royal family, every Imperial Harvest royal signet pendant, ring, earring, and bracelet features the iconic Imperial Harvest emblem.

The Imperial Harvest emblem draws its inspiration from the Chinese character “鼎” (ding). This character references the ceremonial cauldrons used extensively in various rites and rituals at the Temple of Heaven, where the reigning Emperor, also known as the Son of Heaven, would pray for bountiful harvests. This rich symbolism infuses each piece with a profound connection to tradition and heritage.

The round shape emblem pays homage to the Temple of Heaven, constructed on the principles of “天圆地方”, or Round Heaven Square Earth. The circular emblem also features an inner rim bearing the octagon shape symbolic of the Eight Trigrams, a principle underpinning Imperial Feng Shui studies.

Royal Blues with Cloisonné Enamelling techniques

Imperial Harvest craftsmen have perfected and preserved the art of enamelling, producing the exquisite royal blue enamel that adorns the roof of the Temple of Heaven. The gemstones, meticulously selected for their beauty and symbolism, are set within frames of deep blue enamel, reminiscent of the Temple of Heaven’s roof tiles. This combination not only enhances the visual appeal of each piece but also imbues them with a deeper symbolic meaning, bridging the earthly and the divine.

The process begins with grinding coloured enamel pigments into a base powder, which is then mixed with agarwood oil. Craftsmen meticulously paint the resulting paste onto a prepared 18k solid gold surface using a brush as fine as a single hair, creating intricate lotus-like patterns reminiscent of those found on the inner pillars of the Temple of Heaven.

Once dry, the paste is fired in a kiln at temperatures around 850°C, causing the powdered pigment to melt and form a new, impregnable surface fused to the metal base. The enamel’s colour can change during firing, presenting a significant challenge for Imperial Harvest craftsmen to produce a consistent royal blue enamel across every piece in the Royal Signet Collection.

The Royal Signet Collection stands as a testament to the fusion of historical reverence and modern artistry, embodying the rich heritage and profound spiritual resonance of Imperial China.

Design and Symbolism: Architectural Elements of the Temple of Heaven

For the Royal Signet Collection, Master David draws inspiration from the Circular Mound Altar (圜丘坛), a revered structure within the Temple of Heaven used during pivotal times of the year in Imperial China. Central to the emperor’s rituals honouring Heaven and ensuring future harvests, this altar features a three-tiered design, with its balusters and steps constructed in sacred numbers like nine and its multiples.

At the heart of the Circular Mound Altar is the celestial heart stone (天心石), masterfully aligned to be in perpetual direct alignment with the sun at solar noon on the date of the Winter Solstice. The balusters serve as acoustic amplifiers for the Emperor’s prayers, enhancing the spiritual resonance of the ceremonies.

Master David has seamlessly incorporated these sacred design elements into our pendants, reflecting the altar’s celestial alignment and ceremonial grandeur. The result is a collection that mirrors the timeless elegance and spiritual significance of the Circular Mound Altar, embodying the harmony and auspiciousness of this ancient imperial tradition.

Exclusive Collection: Imperial Harvest Royal Signet Collection

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An exquisite gemstone set in 18k solid yellow gold, beautifully framed by royal blue enamel, this elegant pendant from the Imperial Harvest Royal Signet Collection draws inspiration from traditional signet rings and embodies the Chinese concept of “天圆地方” or “Round Heaven and Square Earth”. The striking central gemstone, set within a bold blue enamel frame, symbolises the harmony of the cosmos and earthly balance.

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Encircled by a halo of round brilliant-cut diamonds and adorned with royal blue enamel detailing, this Royal Signet pendant features an exquisite precious gemstone set in 18K solid yellow gold. This pendant takes inspiration from the balusters at the Circular Mound Altar, capturing the essence of celestial harmony.

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Embellished with intricate royal blue enamel detailing, this Royal Signet pendant was inspired by the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, featuring a stunning precious gemstone set in 18K solid yellow gold. This pendant reflects the hall’s four inner, twelve middle, and twelve outer pillars, symbolising the four seasons, twelve months, and twelve traditional Chinese hours — embodying the harmony of time and nature with modern sophistication.

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These elegant earrings from the Royal Signet Collection draw inspiration from traditional signet rings and embody the Chinese concept of “天圆地方” or “Round Heaven and Square Earth.” Featuring striking central gemstones set within bold blue enamel frames, these pieces symbolise the harmony of the cosmos and earthly balance. The earrings are crowned with the Imperial Harvest emblem, adding a touch of distinguished brand heritage to their sophisticated design. Each precious gemstone is set in 18K solid yellow gold, beautifully framed by royal blue enamel.

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This exquisite bracelet is a dazzling sequence of precious gemstones set in 18k solid yellow gold, interspersed with royal blue enamel accents. Meticulously designed in accordance with the Rites of Zhou (周禮) and Imperial Feng Shui principles, this bracelet incorporates ​​ sacred odd numbers, especially the imperial number 9, which symbolises eternity and imperial authority. The bracelet features a series of radiant gemstones interspersed with striking blue enamel accents and is finished with a monogrammed tag showcasing the Imperial Harvest emblem, adding a touch of distinguished brand heritage.

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This exquisite signet ring from the Royal Signet Collection aligns with Imperial Feng Shui principles and the Rites of Zhou (周禮). Incorporating sacred odd numbers, particularly the imperial number 9, the ring features eight diamonds along its sides, with a striking central gemstone as the ninth gem. This design symbolises eternity and imperial authority, reflecting the belief that odd numbers hold heavenly significance. Set in 18K solid yellow gold, the ring is accented with a halo of round brilliant-cut diamonds and finished with royal blue enamel detailing, enhancing its elegance and symbolic power.

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Crafted in 18K solid yellow gold, this ring is further enhanced by its vibrant royal blue enamel and complemented by round brilliant-cut diamonds along the band. This thoughtful design symbolises eternity and imperial authority, underscoring the heavenly importance of odd numbers — showcasing eight diamonds along its sides, with a striking central gemstone serving as the ninth gem.

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Inspired by the intricate patterns adorning the main pillars in the Temple of Heaven, this signet ring features elaborate designs surrounding a central gemstone. This central gem draws inspiration from the altar’s Heart of Heaven (天心石) or the Supreme Yang (太阳石), where the Emperor prayed for favourable weather. The design beautifully merges historical reverence with contemporary elegance, symbolising both tradition and modernity. Set in 18k solid yellow gold, the striking gemstone is beautifully adorned with royal blue enamel artistry inspired by traditional motifs, creating a piece that exudes both sophistication and cultural heritage.

Bespoke Blessing by Master David Goh

Master David performs bespoke blessings for each Imperial Harvest Royal Signet treasure in a meticulous process, including personally hand-drawing individual talismans integral to the consecration rites. The blessing ceremony is conducted on auspicious dates and times specifically chosen based on the client’s Bazi chart. Master David recites auspicious prayers before anointing each jadeite treasure with specially concocted red vermilion.

A Lifelong Journey with Imperial Harvest

The Imperial Harvest Journey represents a lifelong partnership with Master David Goh and his expert team. Through a comprehensive range of services tailored for Imperial Harvest’s clients, such as lifetime complimentary comprehensive Bazi reviews, home Feng Shui evaluations, Qi Men Dun Jia consultations, and Yi Jing divination, Imperial Harvest ensures our clients’ lifelong prosperity and success.

Experience the transformative power of the Imperial Harvest Royal Signet collection, which melds luxury, spirituality and personal empowerment. Schedule your complimentary Bazi consultation with Imperial Harvest today, and discover how this treasure can enhance your financial, business and relationship prospects.