Gold symbolizes wealth, power and longevity in Chinese culture; So it’s no surprise that items made of precious metal have been the most popular gifts for wedding couples for generations.

Gold accessories and jewelry have been a part of Chinese culture since ancient times, but in the past only royalty and dignitaries could afford them.

from the faculty of arts and social sciences at Hong Kong Baptist University. Michael Kam wrote: Tracing the History of Traditional Jewelery Production in Hong KongThe first record of gold accessories being offered as engagement gifts in China dates back to the Ming dynasty (1368 – 1644), he says.

According to the Xiangshan County Chronicle: “Betel nut is the most important wedding gift in Xiangshan. The rich groom’s family will give the bride valuable gifts such as gold, silver and clothes as engagement gifts; The dowry of the wealthy bride’s family is even more expensive than the groom’s gift, often several times more expensive than the groom’s wedding gift.”

Kam said the groom will present a variety of gifts, including gold jewelry that symbolizes good luck and reflects his family’s status and financial power.

Gold jewelry was also an important part of the bride’s dowry. It served as a kind of insurance against unexpected financial obstacles. The larger the dowry, the more respected the bride was in her new family, as it showed financial security.