The jewel in Vietnam: spiritual and social object

Jewelry in Vietnam is far more than just decorative; it is steeped in tradition, culture, and spirituality. Across Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups, jewelry serves as a form of social expression, a spiritual safeguard, and a testament to craftsmanship passed down through generations. From bustling city centers to remote tribal villages, the meaning and significance of jewelry are as varied as the people themselves.

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The jewel: spiritual and social object

For the tribal women of Vietnam, jewelry is more than just an accessory—it is an embodiment of their identity. Take, for example, the Hmong and Red Dao tribes in northern Vietnam. For them, silver jewelry serves as a kind of wearable family history. Passed from mother to daughter, these pieces reflect personal and tribal narratives through intricately designed bracelets, rings, and necklaces. Each piece tells a story: from the motifs that symbolize fertility, protection, or prosperity to the age-worn surfaces that show the journey of the family it’s adorned. 

Tribal women usually have at least two kinds of jewelry: everyday objects and special items (or rituals), often in silver. Jewelry has become a form of savings, which can be sold when money is needed.

Jewelry in these communities also serves as a talisman, believed to repel evil spirits, especially when venturing into forests or unknown lands. For the Hmong, elaborate neck rings signify marital status and wealth, while ensuring the wearer’s connection to their ancestors is never broken.

Photo: Trịnh Thông Thiện

Jewelry in Vietnam vs. Southeast Asia

Vietnam’s relationship with jewelry, especially among its ethnic minorities, sets it apart from other Southeast Asian cultures. For example, while neighboring Laos and Thailand also boast impressive silverwork traditions, their use of jewelry often leans more toward decorative purposes. In contrast, Vietnam’s tribal jewelry often incorporates spiritual symbols, such as bronze frogs or tigers, designed to protect the wearer from evil spirits. These motifs serve as both protective amulets and status symbols within their communities.

In Cambodia, gold jewelry is more widely worn, especially during weddings and religious festivals, signifying wealth and purity. However, in Vietnam, silver is revered for its affordability and spiritual significance. It’s fascinating to see how, while Southeast Asian cultures share a love for intricately designed jewelry, Vietnam’s unique blend of spirituality and symbolism offers a distinct lens through which to view these objects.

The jewel as a heritage of Vietnam

Jewelry in Vietnam is not just an accessory but a symbol of cultural heritage, spiritual protection, and artistic mastery. Passed down through generations, these pieces reflect the evolution of craftsmanship from ancient dynasties to the present day. Vietnam’s festivals and rituals offer a window into how these treasures continue to play an essential role in both daily life and special occasions.

Festivals and Rituals: Jewelry as a Cultural Anchor

Vietnamese festivals are more than just celebrations—they are opportunities for people to reconnect with their heritage, and jewelry is often a central part of these rituals. For example, during Tết Nguyên Đán (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), families bring out their finest jewelry to honor their ancestors, believing that these pieces can bring prosperity and protection in the coming year.

Jewelry also plays a pivotal role in wedding ceremonies, where gold and silver pieces symbolize the bride’s new status and the wealth of both families. In some ethnic minority communities, like the Dao, brides are often adorned with layers of silver necklaces, bracelets, and rings during the marriage ceremony, sometimes weighing up to 4 kilograms. Each piece serves as a marker of her family’s prosperity and the bond between her family and her new in-laws.

In ancestor worship rituals, which are deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture, silver jewelry is often used as an offering to ensure spiritual protection for the family. Many believe that the spirits of ancestors protect them, and presenting precious items like silver hairpins or bracelets symbolizes both respect and gratitude.

Photo: Trịnh Thông Thiện

Festivals and Exhibitions: A Glimpse into History

You can attend various festivals dedicated to jewelry and goldsmiths across the country. For example, at the Antiques Jewelry Festival of Vietnam in Hue in 2015, more than 100 objects from prehistory to the Nguyen Dynasty were exhibited. This collection of rare, exquisite and impeccable jewels in gold, silver, jade, ivory, tortoiseshell, etc. is of a high level of technicality and art of manufacture. 

In 2013, the Hoan Kiem District People's Committee held a jewelry festival in honor of the founders of the trade. During the festival, a collection of ancient coins and several elaborate jewelry collections were on display. Visitors were able to discover the jeweler's and goldsmith's trade on Hang Bac Street in Hanoi. The festival, held at the Kim Ngan Temple, featured an exhibition showcasing masterpieces of jewelry by the artisans of Hang Bac and Dinh Cong. Lacquerware from Ha Thai and Chang Son Village in the outskirts of Hanoi were also exhibited. The goldsmith village of Dinh Cong has existed for 800 years. Through the festivals and the old villages, men and women try to keep an inheritance of an invaluable value whose jewels are the timeless witnesses.

The jewelry industry

As Vietnam has evolved, so too has its jewelry industry. From its humble beginnings in small, family-run workshops, the industry has expanded into a growing sector that caters not only to local tastes but also to international trends. Yet, despite the modern influences, the heart of Vietnam’s jewelry still lies in tradition.

With the rise of tourism, Vietnam’s jewelry market has found a new audience. Travelers are drawn to the exquisite craftsmanship and affordability of silver jewelry. For many, a piece of Vietnamese jewelry is not just a souvenir—it’s a keepsake imbued with cultural significance. Whether it’s a simple silver bracelet or a more elaborate piece, tourists often leave with a deeper appreciation for the skill and tradition behind the jewelry.

A lot of travelers buy jewelry during their holidays in Vietnam to make souvenirs for their friends and their family because it is not only inexpensive but also high quality and beautiful. 

If you’re looking to buy handmade jewelry in Vietnam, there are several villages renowned for their craftsmanship, as well as boutique shops. Here’s a guide to some of the best spots:

Villages Specializing in Handmade Jewelry:

Photo: Hà An

• Dinh Cong Goldsmith Village (Hanoi): Located in Hanoi, Dinh Cong is famous for its long tradition of goldsmithing, dating back 1500 years. Here, you can find artisans crafting exquisite gold and silver jewelry using techniques passed down through generations
   
• Dong Xam Silver Village (Thai Binh Province): Dong Xam Village in Thai Binh Province is renowned for its silver carving. The village has been producing intricate silver pieces for centuries, and its artisans are skilled in crafting everything from jewelry, paintings and kitchenware with elaborate details.
   
• Chau Khe Goldsmith Village (Hai Duong Province): Chau Khe Village has been around for over 5 centuries, and is known for its traditional gold and silver jewelry production. The village's artisans are well-versed in creating unique pieces that are both contemporary and inspired by ancient designs

Shops in Specializing in Handmade Jewelry

Photo: Hà An

• Hang Bac Street (Hanoi): Known as "Silver Street," Hang Bac in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is one of the oldest streets in the city and has a long history of silver jewelry craftsmanship. You’ll find numerous small shops offering handcrafted silver necklaces, bracelets, and rings, often made using traditional techniques.

• Indigo Cat (Sapa, Lao Cai): This shop in Sapa offers not only handmade jewelry but also textiles and handicrafts created by local Hmong artisans. Their silver jewelry pieces often have ethnic motifs, reflecting the traditions of the region.

• At Mr. Mua Se Sinh's (Dong Van, Ha Giang): Not a fancy shop but rather the humble home of the man that has been carving silver since the age of 16. Mr. Mua Se Sinh has passed on the tradition to his son and grandson, who are keeping the craft alive after 7 generations. Stop by, get yourself a nice ring or bracelet, and watch the Hmong artisans at work.

• Lotus Jewelry (Hoi An): A well-known shop in Hoi An, Lotus Jewelry offers a wide selection of handmade as well as custom-made jewelry, from necklaces to bracelets and earrings. Their pieces often feature traditional Vietnamese designs, making them great souvenirs.

 

In Vietnam, jewelry transcends mere adornment—it's a symbol of cultural identity, spiritual protection, and artistic heritage. Whether you’re exploring ancient goldsmith villages or browsing boutique shops in bustling cities like Hoi An and Hanoi, Vietnam's jewelry offers a window into the country's soul. Each piece carries with it a sense of tradition, history, and meaning, making it not just a souvenir but a timeless treasure with deep personal and cultural value.

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