QIU Fine Jewellery: debut of high jewellery collection Shanghai/Shanghai 2017

December 4, 2017

By Katerina Perez

4 min read

Chaoqiu He, jewellery designer and the creative mind behind QIU Fine Jewellery, has released her first high jewellery collection: Shanghai/Shanghai 2017. It includes 12 unique pieces with the very best examples of investment grade Colombian emeralds and top-quality diamonds.


The jewellery collection of earrings, rings, necklaces and cufflinks was named in honour of the town whose architecture triggered its creation. Chaoqiu mined the grandiose buildings of her native Shanghai – built during the colonial period in an art deco style – for inspiration. For the first 30 years of the 20th century, the city’s architecture was predominantly influenced by British and American design. It was at this time that pre-eminent examples of European architecture appeared, such as the Shanghai Club, the Asia Building, and the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation building. This gave the metropolis the chance to acquire a distinct style, strongly distinguishing it from every other city in China.

Fu 1015 salon

Fu 1015 salon

For the presentation of her collection, Chaoqiu chose Fu 1015, an old manor house in the very heart of Shanghai which once belonged to an influential Chinese financier. It is now owned by an haute cuisine restaurant group and has two Michelin stars. “I looked at seven different options and eventually chose this location because of its charm. This old house was built in the 1920s and features stunning art deco architecture, so as soon as I walked into the room, I knew it was the right place to hold the presentation,” explains Chaoqiu.

Qiu Fine Jewelry 3 in 1 earrings with Colombian emeralds 10 cts each and diamonds

Qiu Fine Jewelry 3 in 1 earrings with Colombian emeralds 10 cts each and diamonds

Over the course of three days, the designer welcomed guests into this historic building with its relatively modern architecture and fine dining. To complement the presentation, Chaoqiu arranged a series of private dinners to give her guests the chance to try Fu 1015’s delicious menu. The Shanghai/Shanghai 2017 collection was displayed in a separate room with floor-to-ceiling windows through which the sun’s rays shone and highlighted the beauty of the jewellery, making the emeralds and diamonds to intensely sparkle. In Chaoqiu’s opinion, “this place truly had a synergy with the high jewellery collection”.

Qiu Fine Jewelry necklace with 32.86 cts Colombian emerald and diamonds

Qiu Fine Jewelry necklace with 32.86 cts Colombian emerald and diamonds

It took the up and coming designer a whole year to create the Shanghai/Shanghai 2017 collection. She began by slowly sketching out her ideas on paper before turning her sketches into fully-realised jewellery designs followed by wax models and, ultimately, the rough sketches became precious jewellery. The Masterpiece of the collection is the luxurious 33 carat emerald necklace, which has practically no inclusions. This exceptional beauty was bestowed on it by nothing other than nature herself, meaning the emerald was not subjected to any treatment and has joined the ranks of investment gemstones.

Chaoqiu demonstrates her guests the master necklace

Chaoqiu demonstrates her guests the master necklace

We are thrilled to be working closely with one of Asia’s most important young designers. The zero compromise approach to quality at Qiu Fine Jewellery fits perfectly with our focus on working exclusively with investment grade Colombian material. China continues to be the number one market for fine emeralds, and through this strategic partnership we will continue to raise the profile of up and coming designers like Chaoqiu, and reinforce Colombia’s position as the world’s most important emerald source.

-George Smith of the International Emerald Exchange

Trapiche emerald set with 22.01 cts, 22.40 cts and 27.52 cts Colombian emeralds

Trapiche emerald set with 22.01 cts, 22.40 cts and 27.52 cts Colombian emeralds

All the other emeralds, selected by IEEX (the International Emerald Exchange) for the Shanghai/Shanghai 2017 collection, could also be classed as rare collector items. Among them stand out two 3 carat emerald-cut stones with no oil treatment (a fairly widespread practice used to iron out the cracks in beryls). The stones decorate the diamond Toi & Moi style earrings that embody the Cathay Cinema building in Shanghai. Another spectacular example is the 6.74 carat oval Colombian emerald that was the central decorative element of the cocktail ring, as well as the two 10 carat stones that serve as detachable pendants on the earrings.

Qiu Fine Jewelry earrings with 13.34 cts and 13.73 cts Colombian emeralds and diamonds

Qiu Fine Jewelry earrings with 13.34 cts and 13.73 cts Colombian emeralds and diamonds

 Qiu Fine Jewelry cufflinks with emeralds and diamonds

Qiu Fine Jewelry cufflinks with emeralds and diamonds

 Qiu Fine Jewelry ring with diamonds and 6.74 cts emerald

Qiu Fine Jewelry ring with diamonds and 6.74 cts emerald

 Qiu Fine Jewelry ring with 2.88 cts Colombian emerald and diamonds

Qiu Fine Jewelry ring with 2.88 cts Colombian emerald and diamonds

 Qiu Fine Jewelry Toi&Moi earrings with 3.01 cts and 3.21 cts 'no-oil' Colombian emeralds

Qiu Fine Jewelry Toi&Moi earrings with 3.01 cts and 3.21 cts 'no-oil' Colombian emeralds

IEEX (the International Emerald Exchange) does not use third party agents, extracting emeralds directly from the Colombian mine Muzo. This, of course, is reflected in the attractive prices of Q Fine Jewellery creations, many of which have already been sold. However, the jewellery masterpieces that remain can be acquired from the designer directly.

AVAKIAN: The beauty of transformability

continue reading

Watches and Wonders 2025: The Coolest Watch Novelties

With pastel pops, Pop Art influences, and playful twists on time itself, Watches and Wonders 2025 delivered a vibrant feast of creativity. Discover the fun new watches setting trends in Geneva this spring

by Rachael Taylor

White Hot: Achromatic Jewellery is Having a Moment

Let’s explore the revival of all white jewellery and discover why this look is universally complementary – and a great investment.  

by Rachael Taylor

Reinventing Royalty: The European-Inspired Luxury Behind Isabel Gemology 

I started 2025 with a series of articles titled ‘Jeweller of the Month’ to highlight the true talent among niche designers in the jewellery industry. For May, it is Isabel Delgado, the founder of Isabel Gemology, who I would like to shine the spotlight on.

by Katerina Perez

Watches and Wonders 2025: Eight of the Most Artful Dials 

From lovers kissing on a bridge to precious animals painted in enamel or gems, this year’s watch launches included timepieces with extraordinary dials that blur the line between watchmaking and wearable art.

by Rachael Taylor

Birthday Wishes: Embracing the Power of Being Different 

Today, I want to share my thoughts on embracing your inner self and channelling all that power into your biggest passions…

by Katerina Perez

Flip the Script: Meet the Jewellers Creating Luxury Customised Watches

Jewellery designers are increasingly turning their artistic talents to the world of horology, customising luxury watches with unique embellishments that carry their personal style signatures. From reimagined Rolexes to gemstone-studded bezels, discover how jewellers are making their mark on the world of timepieces

by Rachael Taylor

Iconic Revival: Boucheron Reinvents the Serpent Bohème Jewellery

That nostalgic feeling of seeing past creations—sometimes forgotten, sometimes iconic—sparking a rush of inspiration to reimagine and breathe new life into what once was. That's exactly what Boucheron has achieved with its latest revival: the Serpent Bohème Vintage collection

by Hirshi Sujanti

Art Deco Innovation: Exploring the Iconic Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery Setting

The Mystery Setting by Van Cleef & Arpels stands out as a masterpiece of Art Deco ingenuity. As the world celebrates the centenary of Art Deco in 2025, we are taking the opportunity to spotlight one of the most technically ambitious innovations to emerge from this golden era of jewellery design

by Claire Roberts

Emerald Odyssey: Chopard Unveils its Insofu High Jewellery Collection

There's nothing quite like the thrill of a new collection unveiling. But what truly excites me isn't just the sparkle and glamour – it's when a brand takes a bold and unexpected approach. This is exactly what Chopard has done with its latest Insofu High Jewellery collection, which all started with the extraordinary 6,225-carat 'Insofu' rough emerald. Let's take a closer look at the creations that have emerged from this incredible mineral specimen

by Hirshi Sujanti

Watches and Wonders 2025: The Best Jewellery Watches 

From diamond-drenched serpents to enamelled blooms and secret talismans, these new jewellery watches unveiled in Geneva embody the artistry, emotion and extravagance of high jewellery watchmaking for women

by Rachael Taylor

Refined Character: The Ancient-Meets-Modern Allure of Dionysios Fine Jewels

The Dionysios signature is all about warm, soulful jewellery that’s characterful without being overtly historical or too starkly modern. Let’s take a closer look at some of the brand’s highlights…

by Katerina Perez

Latest Stories

Add articles and images to your favourites. Just

Reinventing Royalty:The European-Inspired Luxury Behind Isabel Gemology

I started 2025 with a series of articles titled ‘Jeweller of the Month’ to highlight the true talent among niche designers in the jewellery industry. For May, it is Isabel Delgado, the founder of Isabel Gemology, who I would like to shine the spotlight on.

by Katerina Perez

Jewels Katerina Perez Loves

Continue Reading

Writing Adventures:Co-Authoring the Book

Paraiba: The Legacy of a Color

by Katerina Perez

Jewellery Insights straight to your inbox

Style Guide

By using this website, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.