Ming tombs
Gold, silver, and jade were some of the most commonly used materials by the jewelers in Ming times. Assorted gemstones and pearls were also used frequently along with the other materials. For the members of the Royal Court, a variety of headdresses, belts, trinkets, and other ornaments worn to denote status were made from a combination of silks and gold and other precious jewels. Beyond jewelry and other wearable goods, jewelers also created ornate items such as cups, bowls, trays, and tweezers for use within the Ming Court. In order to procure the raw materials to create these highly sought after products, jewelers had to turn to the court eunuchs who oversaw the mines, imports from surrounding regions, as well as tributes from neighboring states. As evidenced by the abundance of gold and silver products found in Ming tombs, many of these items were so valued that they were chosen or commissioned to go into the afterlife. It is from some of these pieces, preserved in the tombs, that one can see some of the best work of jewelers during the Ming Dynasty.