From the 17th to 19th century, the handheld fan was a crucial accessory that determined the social status of women. The more decorative the fan, the more desired it was among ladies of higher classes. Shielding faces from the glare of the sun or hiding a demure smile, the fan was both utilitarian and ornamental.
In Chinese culture, the character ‘fan’ has a similar pronunciation as ‘kindness’ and ‘good’. Thus, many would view it as a symbol of good luck. Today, a popular motif in jewellery, the folding fan serves as a platform for jewellers to showcase their craftsmanship — with pieces revealing consistent and meticulously designed gem-set frames. Here, SolitaireLuxe curates the latest fan-shaped jewels from our favourite brands.
