Lunar New Year ushered in the Year of the Snake, but I’ve found one last fiery designer take on the dragon—the Chinese zodiac sign for the year just ended—that I’ve become enamored with.
This remarkable ring by Chantel Shafie honors the dragon but symbolizes much more with its amazing detail, including an element of mobility. “The reversible signet ring design centers around a mighty dragon and auspicious clouds, with the two motifs adorning opposite sides of a lucky feng shui coin,” the Hong Kong–based designer tells JCK.
“With the guidance of a Hong Kong–based feng shui master and the expertise of a master dragon carver, I selected and designed each element based on its cultural and spiritual significance,” says Shafie.
The coin, she explains, “is said to attract harmony and abundance”—its circle represents heaven, and the square hole at its center represents earth. “The clouds stand for good fortune, positive energy, and spiritual growth, while the dragon conveys dynamic energy and symbolizes success and prosperity. I have also included dragon scales on the inside as an extra design detail.”
This ring comes from Shafie’s Eternal Dragon collection, which also includes bracelets, medallion necklaces, and rings, each with the reversible element. It is also part of the Chinese zodiac series, using Hong Kong coins featuring zodiac animals, that Shafie was inspired to create following her success setting vintage international coins into diamond medallions.
In my longing-for-summer state, I’m partial to the Eternal Dragon ring in turquoise, as pictured here. The piece is also available with mother-of-pearl, lapis lazuli, onyx, jade, or red jasper, and in yellow, white, or rose gold. Every variation presents the design in a different but equally compelling perspective. See them all on Shafie’s website.
Top: Eternal Dragon reversible signet ring in 18k yellow gold with turquoise and diamonds, $5,904; Chantel Shafie
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