If the jewels have existed from the start of history, it has taken on new dimensions and essence in Vietnam today. Whether you live in an ethnic minority hamlet, an old goldsmith community, or a large metropolis, the jewelry has unique interests and a rise in value.
Vietnamese Traditional Jewelry Pieces
Vietnamese Jewelry in Engagement/Wedding Ceremony
Gold engagement rings, earrings, and at least one circular necklace called a “kieng” are everyday jewelry items for the bride at a Vietnamese wedding. Traditionally, they are gifts from the groom’s family to ask permission to marry the bride, and the bride may wear up to 10 gold necklaces. Sometimes, it can be family heirlooms that get passed down during the ceremony. The value for each item ranges from VND 9,000,000 to VND 80,000,000.
Vietnamese Ethnic Jewelry
Thread bracelets, tribal traditional jewelry, or hoop earrings are created mainly by artisans, especially Vietnamese ethnic minorities, including Hmong, Thai, or ethnic groups living in Vietnam’s northern mountains. They often wear a lot of jewelry when it’s time for a celebration.
Jade Bracelets
The so-called “Green gold,” with a history dating back to more than 4,000 years in China, is one of Vietnamese women‘s favorite accessories. They believe wearing jade protects people from negative energies, greed, spirits, and bad luck. Jade may darken in hue over time, and a deeper green represents inner power and good fortune.
Pearl Jewelry
Shiny white pearls are the universal statement of elegance and femininity. Vietnam’s pearls are affordable; you can even find naturally sourced pearls in famous coastal areas such as Phu Quoc or Nha Trang. Moreover, the masterful craftsmanship of professional jewelers gives these timeless pieces a signature look.
Vietnamese Belief in Wearing Jewelry
Jewelry is an accessory that not only completes an outfit but also reflects one’s personality. Additionally, traditional jewelry pieces hold hidden, special meanings in Vietnamese superstitions.
- Wearing jewelry to heal: Sounds surprising, but the Vietnamese believe gold, platinum jewelry, or natural gemstones help create mental comfort and reduce tension, while silver heals your pain and improves blood circulation.
- Carved jewelry brings good luck: in ancient times, men and women wore jewelry (often with religious carvings) as a protective talisman. This practice still holds meaning until now, especially ethnic jewelry.
Local Jewelry Shops Worth Checking out
There are various jewelry materials, ranging from gold, silver, and platinum to white gold and diamond. The price varies from VND 350,000 (US$ 15) to VND 200,000,000 (US$ 9,000,000). You can choose from the list of 7 famous jewelry brands in Vietnam:
Besides, if you’re looking for cheaper but high-quality jewelry, take a look at some local silver shops below, with prices ranging from VND 200,000 to VND 3,000,000. In addition, you can find other stunning designs from other Vietnamese shops on Instagram or Facebook.
Useful Advice When Buying Vietnamese Jewelry
- It’s better to go to the brick-and-mortar store to try the jewelry and compare the price.
- If you buy Vietnamese jewelry as a souvenir or a gift for somebody, head to shops with high-quality products (aforementioned brands), or you can go to local gold shops, preferably one with a security man standing in front of the store.
- Vietnamese people habitually buy gold or jewelry on Good Fortune Day, which usually falls on the 1st or 15th of the month according to the Lunar calendar. During these times, jewelry and gold shops are packed and extremely busy, so if you wish to buy jewelry that is not superstitious, you might want to avoid these days.
Our Take on Meaningful Vietnamese Jewelry for Special Occasion
A lot of tourists purchase gems in Vietnam as souvenirs for their friends and families since Vietnamese jewelry is not costly but of good quality and beauty. Thus, with a distinctive and unique meaning that each kind of Vietnamese jewelry holds, why don’t you consider putting on yourself new pieces of jewelry? You may be amazed at the result.