Eastern Promises

A lyrical love letter to its Chinese roots, Qeelin’s arsenal of contemporary jewels imbued with deep cultural connotations soar beyond borders.

- NIKITA NAWAWI

Nearly two decades have passed since Qeelin made its grand debut on the red carpet of the 2004 Cannes Film Festival. The shoulder-grazing Wulu single earring by the jeweller was worn on the world stage by actress Maggie Cheung, a good friend and muse of founder and creative director Dennis Chan, leaving an indelible mark of an East-meets-West design code that has since become a cornerstone of the Qeelin brand.

Drawn from the mythical power of the hulu—which according to legends could subdue demons and monsters by absorbing all forms of evil or negative energy—the Wulu traces the silhouette of the Chinese gourd that resembles the number eight. It is then reimagined through a contemporary lens to emerge with streamlined smooth curves that has become a hallmark. Over the years, the collection has been actively revisited and refreshed with a score of precious materials that include jade, red agate, mother-of-pearl and diamonds.