Delicate art of kingfisher feather jewelry

Blending kingfisher feathers into exquisite jewelry requires great skill and artistry. Using hot metal to create the outline of a flower, the craftsmen then puts the azure feathers into place one by one, creating a stunning effect.

In ancient China, the clothes of emperors and the coronets of empresses were decorated with kingfisher feathers, the color of which has stood the test of time. So too, the traditional craftsmanship of using kingfisher feathers in gold and silver jewelry has endured and evolved with changing technology to bring continuous improvements.

As a rare species, the Kingfisher is now protected by law, and the makers of such jewelry have had to seek alternatives, such as dyed goose feathers or colored ribbons. But the finished items are every bit as colorful, and are easier to preserve than kingfisher feathers, enhancing their beauty.