Recently, I went on a shopping spree for the New Year, buying lots of clothes and bags. I couldn’t resist adding a bunch of new jewelry pieces to complement them.
As Christian Dior once said, “Accessories are vital for women. The less you can afford to spend on clothes, the more you should focus on accessories.”
After years of studying and experimenting with fashion, I’ve come to realize that:
With simple outfits, jewelry can be the perfect finishing touch, instantly elevating your entire look. Even with already beautiful and elegant clothes, the right jewelry can add that extra sparkle, enhancing your overall appearance with a touch of sophistication.
I’ve also noticed that wearing well-chosen jewelry not only enhances your external image but also makes others perceive your overall state as more polished.
It subtly communicates, “I not only have some disposable income, but I also have the time and taste to dress well.”
This positive psychological cue really can make you feel luckier and happier!
As a result, I’ve become a true “jewelry addict,” reluctant to leave the house without adorning myself with some pieces.
In the past, I used to love buying from wholesale websites. The advantages were plenty of choices and low prices, but the downside was that you’d often see others wearing the same pieces, and the quality wasn’t always the best.
In recent years, I’ve started focusing on lesser-known designer brands. The styles are unique and better reflect personal style.
They’re more expensive, but it’s true what they say: “Expensive things have no flaw other than being expensive, while cheap things have every flaw except being cheap.”
Cheap jewelry often becomes boring quickly, loses its color, or loses its luster. More expensive pieces, on the other hand, tend to grow on you the more you wear them, becoming “talismans” you want to wear 24/7.
Take the brand I’ve recently fallen in love with – RainbowHippo.
With prices generally ranging from $40 to $140 (with some value options around $20), many people buy these pieces and wear them daily, even purchasing multiple sets to match different outfits.
At these prices, compared to luxury brands that can cost thousands, they offer excellent value for money. I’ve carefully studied their materials and designs, and they’re certainly not inferior to thousand-dollar pieces!
Many celebrities have worn their pieces. I started by buying a few to try out, and before I knew it, I couldn’t stop. I’ve ended up buying 15 pieces!
I’ve found gifts for myself, my sisters, and my mother, all from this brand.
Since I’ve bought so many, I thought I’d share my experience with you all.
They have a Neo-Chinese jade collection, trendy and versatile coin pieces, a romantic orchid series, a timely dragon series, and an auspicious cloud series.
I bet there’s something you’ll love!
Dare to Dazzle
Before sharing the jewelry, I want to briefly introduce the RainbowHippo brand.
Many of you might not have heard of it yet, as it’s a very low-key brand that doesn’t do much marketing, relying mostly on word-of-mouth recommendations.
I became interested after a friend’s recommendation, and after doing my research, I found that they’re incredibly impressive!
It’s a jewelry brand that focuses on global designer collaborations, working with jewelry designers worldwide to produce many stylish and innovative pieces.
They’re also dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Chinese culture, creating several hugely popular Neo-Chinese series.
Many magazines use their jewelry when styling popular celebrities.
The brand’s slogan also really resonates with me: Dare to Dazzle.
Let’s wear RainbowHippo and be dazzling girls together!
01
Encounter · Fortune Series
The Neo-Chinese style has been incredibly popular these past couple of years, bringing jade stones into the spotlight as well.
Jade is gentle, elegant, noble, and understated – beautiful without being ostentatious. It embodies all our imaginings of Chinese aesthetics.
I love watching videos of jade cutting, but I never bought any pieces myself, always feeling the styles were too old-fashioned to wear.
That is, until I encountered RainbowHippo’s “Encounter · Fortune Series.” After buying a few pieces, I was officially hooked.
The gourd pendants, carved from natural Hetian jade, are small, exquisite, and versatile, suiting everyone.
As the saying goes, “Gold has a price, jade is priceless.”
In ancient times, jade was exclusive to the top echelons of society. Wearing jade not only symbolized material wealth but also spiritual richness, taste, and a broad perspective.
However, the world of jade can be quite complex.
For beginners like us, rashly buying jade can easily lead to spending a lot of money on inferior goods.
RainbowHippo is very user-friendly in this regard. Each jade jewelry piece comes with an appraisal/collection certificate.
Whether for personal wear or as a gift, you can’t go wrong!
The quality of the high-grade Hetian jade is visible to the naked eye.
It’s smooth and moist, not dry or coarse. The texture is fine and uniform. When worn around the neck, it exudes elegance and even makes the wearer appear to have “skin like ice and bones like jade.”
Only after owning it did I truly understand Shakespeare’s words: “Jewels silent, sweet, do more persuade than words.”
Besides the material, the carving is also crucial for jade.
RainbowHippo collaborates directly with Mr. Qian Jianliang, an inheritor of intangible cultural heritage in Suzhou (jade carving) and a master of folk arts and crafts. Each gourd shape is vivid and adorable.
Moreover, being a master’s work, these pieces have real collection value – a worthy investment!
The jade gourd necklace is what I wear most often. With it, even simple clothes become elegant!
This necklace has many thoughtful design elements:
The small leaves and branches in the middle and the “Fu” (fortune) character tag on the side add a lively and dynamic feel.
The natural freshwater pearls on one side give the overall piece more tension, immediately setting it apart from ordinary jade necklaces.
Plus, it’s reversible!
One side is high-quality Hetian jade, the other is covered in crystals.
One side is elegant, the other is sparkling, allowing you to switch between different styles and moods at any time.
The chain is made of 925 sterling silver with thick 18K gold plating. It feels substantial in hand, and the color and luster are excellent, making your skin look fairer.
The jade pendants I’ve seen before, even the slightly better ones, all cost over a thousand dollars.
RainbowHippo is truly sincere this time, offering this piece for less than $100, which is incredibly good value!
The same series also offers earrings, red string bracelets, and rings to choose from.
For those with pierced ears, you must get these earrings!
The chain design is just the right length, swaying gracefully and sensuously when worn, without being too cumbersome.
They suit all face shapes perfectly! They look amazing with qipaos and dresses!
They’re also reversible.
The red string and ring are more suitable for those who prefer a low-key style.
Worn on the hand, they’re not as eye-catching as necklaces or earrings, but when noticed, they show your taste.
After discounts, they’re just over $40, offering excellent value for money!
You can also wear them together with the necklace or earrings for a more balanced and harmonious overall look, helping you stand out in a crowd.
The necklaces and earrings come in both white jade and green jade.
White jade is gentle and elegant, while green jade is more dignified and grand. You can choose based on your usual style. (Green jade is a bit more expensive, by the way.)
02
Sun God and Dionysus Spirit Series
I don’t need to say much about coin accessories – they’re already well-known favorites. Every time I share a jewelry list, these are always the most popular.
RainbowHippo’s two pieces are on a whole different level compared to ordinary coin necklaces and bracelets, starting from their design concept – inspired by Nietzsche’s philosophy of the “Apollonian” and “Dionysian” spirits.
The Apollonian spirit, also translated as the “spirit of Apollo,” represents tranquility, rationality, and order, emphasizing the pursuit of beautiful things and the exploration of truth.
The Dionysian spirit, on the other hand, implies more passion and adventure, seeking to forget oneself, remove the constraints of individuality, and enjoy a state of ecstatic union with nature.
By imprinting the sun god Apollo and the wine god Dionysus on coin pendants, they become more than just accessories;
They become a tangible representation of your life orientation and philosophy, a glowing symbol in your life!
While the concept is captivating, the details of the physical pieces are equally impressive.
The coin pendant on the necklace is reversible.
The Sun God theme features a relief of Apollo with an orange-red crystal on one side, and sun elements representing life energy on the other, exuding positivity and good fortune.
The Dionysus theme showcases a wine glass symbolizing the god of wine on one side, and the image of Dionysus on the other, set with a mysterious purple crystal that gathers cosmic energy and attracts wealth and blessings.
Both sides are beautiful and wearable, essentially giving you two styles in one piece.
The overall design of the coin replicates the handcrafted feel of ancient Roman coins, with irregular lines that are fluid, unique, and full of life. Most importantly, it’s unlikely you’ll run into someone wearing the same piece!
The basic chain that comes with it is also special, called the “Wishing Star Universal Clasp Necklace.”
Ancient Greece illuminated the night sky of human civilization with brilliant starlight. Whenever the stars shine at night, there’s always one that has illuminated both ancient and modern times.
The designer captured a piece of starlight and incorporated it into the jewelry, setting it at the wearer’s neck.
It not only sparkles and enhances beauty but also gives the wearer limitless strength.
The necklace and pendant can be purchased separately.
This universal clasp necklace is perfect as a basic chain. The clasp part can be opened, allowing you to mix and match various pendants to create your unique style.
If you want to streamline your jewelry box, you can just buy one pendant and pair it with existing plain chains or rice pearl necklaces for an easy win!
The coin on the bracelet also features a double-sided design (though it doesn’t flip in the middle). The vintage coin paired with delicate natural freshwater pearls instantly maximizes a woman’s elegance and grace!
I particularly love its adjustable clasp design. By sliding the metal bead in the middle, you can adjust the size, making it easy to put on with one hand. No more frustration when you’re heading out and can’t fasten your bracelet!
It’s stunning worn alone and even more exquisite when layered with the necklace.
Plus, the Sun God and Dionysus patterns are perfect for matching with your best friend – a great way to show your connection and share good fortune!
[Sun God and Dionysus Spirit Series]
Main materials: Copper (18k gold plated), natural freshwater pearls
Wishing Star Necklace/Coin Pendant $40, Coin Bracelet $40
03
Butterfly Orchid · Impression Series
Chinese scholars throughout history have praised orchids extensively, admiring their noble and elegant character.
Because orchids bloom in July, ancient people also referred to the Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine’s Day) as “Orchid Night,” symbolizing the purity of love.
The flowers of the butterfly orchid resemble butterflies dancing in the air, beautiful and dreamy, capable of expressing love and bringing happiness and beauty.
RainbowHippo’s “Butterfly Orchid · Impression Series” combines the traditional Chinese art of paper folding to represent the butterfly orchid flower as remembered and imagined.
Coupled with the excellent symbolism of orchids, these pieces have the concept of a keepsake or token, making them particularly suitable for collecting or gifting to important people.
It’s not just for lovers – orchids also symbolize deep friendship, making them a great choice for gifts to close friends.
Moreover, orchids are known to boost wealth, career, and romance. Ladies can buy them for themselves too – you might just get everything you want!
Of course, purely from an aesthetic standpoint, this series is also worth getting.
It’s the kind of jewelry that looks N times better than in photos, and even better when worn than when held in hand.
When I took it to the office for photos, my colleagues thought just by looking: The silver is too cool, it has a bit of a Y2K design, not really my style.
But once worn, they immediately wanted to buy it!
The faceted metal combined with large crystals brings an inherent sense of fashion and avant-garde.
The size is well-controlled, noticeable but not too exaggerated, so it makes a statement when worn without being too dramatic.
If you’re tired of coin necklaces and pearl earrings and want something “fresh,” you can confidently buy this to try!
The most popular item by consensus is this pair of earrings.
The silver origami butterfly orchid dangles with staggered high-quality pearl chains (artificial pearls).
Paired with sweaters or dresses, it can amplify its gentle temperament. When worn with suits, jeans, or other tough pieces, it can balance femininity and masculinity, allowing you to create your own beautiful style.
The ear posts are made of 925 silver, so you don’t need to worry about allergies.
The necklace chain has an asymmetrical design, mixing silver beads with pure natural amethyst, echoing the color scheme of the butterfly orchid main piece. It’s rich in layers and very harmonious.
The OT clasp is also very convenient. When wearing, just thread the T through the loop – easy to wear, secure, and adds visual interest.
I would recommend the ring more for sisters who like sweet cool or sharp cool styles.
The ring face can cover the entire finger, which is very bold. The origami butterfly design and amethyst add a cute touch.
The prices for this series are ridiculously low, with earrings and rings under $20, and the necklace just over $20.
Getting such well-designed jewelry at such low prices is incredibly good value!
[Butterfly Orchid · Impression Series]
Main materials: Copper, artificial pearls, natural amethyst
Necklace $30, Earrings $20, Ring $20
04
Auspicious Cloud Series
This set is very suitable for gifting to elders. I bought it for my mother.
The classic traditional five-colored auspicious clouds symbolize good fortune, wealth, and joy. They also enhance one’s complexion. When paired with simple clothes, they give off a wealthy lady’s aura!
The colored parts use high-quality synthetic cubic zirconia, which to the naked eye has a sparkling, diamond-like quality. I bet the recipient will love it!
Accented with shell pearls, it’s exquisite, elegant, and timeless.
[Auspicious Cloud Series]
Main materials: S925 silver (18K gold plated), synthetic cubic zirconia, shell pearls
Necklace $30, Earrings $25
05
Auspicious Dragon Series
I was influenced to buy this set by my little sister, who had worn the silver dragon “Ascending” earrings.
I bought it as a gift for my sister in her zodiac year, and she said it was the most “tasteful” gift I’ve bought in all these years. (I’m not sure whether to cry or laugh…)
The earrings are inspired by one of the four divine beasts in Chinese mythology – the Azure Dragon (or Blue-green Dragon).
“Ascending ninety thousand li on a whirlwind” – floating through the sea of clouds, aiming for the peak. It can ascend to the nine heavens and dive into the deep abyss, mighty and unyielding, fearless!
The pendant is in the shape of a winged spiritual dragon, embracing a heart scale, said to be the hardest scale on the spiritual dragon’s body, with protective spiritual power.
It uses a material similar in color to the Azure Dragon, resembling opal, deep and mysterious.
The clasp is designed with an opening, so besides pairing it with the official basic chain, you can also get creative and DIY your own personalized necklace!
[Auspicious Dragon Series]
Main materials: Copper (18k white gold plated), synthetic cubic zirconia
Pendant + Pearl Chain $60, Earrings $150
That’s all for today’s sharing!
I’m Obsessed! 15 Pieces of Neo-Chinese Jewelry from This Hidden Gem Brand
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