Abacus rings, Pixiu and gold crosses: not just Indian designs
, 6 min read
Minora Jewels is an Indian jewellery shop, but our collection goes beyond traditional Indian designs. In a short video filmed at our counter in Little India, Jaffar showed a few of the others: Pixiu bracelets, an abacus ring and pendant, a ring that spins, and gold cross pendants. "Although we are an Indian jewellery shop," he says, "we have other designs also."
Here is what each design means, how it is made, and what to look for if you are buying one for yourself or as a gift.
What is in the video
- Pixiu bracelets (slide 2): a gold Pixiu, the Chinese guardian of wealth, on a string of deep green beads, one with a single Pixiu and one with a pair.
- An abacus pendant (slide 2): a small gold abacus, with rows of beads on rods inside a frame.
- An abacus ring (slides 2 and 3): a broad gold band patterned like an abacus, whose outer band spins around the finger.
- Gold cross pendants (slides 4 and 5): a cross on its own, and a second cross on a fine gold chain.
What does a gold abacus mean?
The abacus (算盘, suanpan) has been used for calculation in China for centuries. Chinese abacus calculation, zhusuan, is on UNESCO's list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity, which calls it an important symbol of traditional Chinese culture.
Because the abacus counts money, it is linked with wealth and prosperity. Many people choose an abacus ring or pendant for that reason, for themselves or as a gift for someone starting something new: a business, a first job, a promotion. Gold abacus designs are also popular around Chinese New Year.
The abacus also appears at a baby's first birthday in many Chinese families in Singapore. In the zhua zhou custom, described by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, objects such as a stethoscope, an abacus and a stalk of spring onion are placed in front of the baby, and the one the baby grabs is believed to show their future career.
Why does the abacus ring spin?
The ring in our video is a spinner ring. It is built from two bands: an inner band that sits on your finger, and an outer band, held between raised rims, that turns freely around it. On our abacus ring, the outer band carries the abacus pattern, so the "beads" turn as you spin it.
Many people link spinning designs with zhuan yun (转运), which means "luck turning in your favour". Chinese gold jewellery often uses spinning beads and bands for this reason; some people believe that turning them turns their fortune. Others simply enjoy the movement. In the West, spinner rings are also called fidget rings or worry rings, because turning the band is a calming habit.
Sizing a spinner ring
- Size up for a broad band. A wide band covers more of your finger and feels tighter than a slim ring of the same size. Jewellers often suggest about half a size larger for a broad ring. Try it on and spin it: the outer band should turn freely while the ring sits comfortably.
- Get the size right first. A spinner ring is harder to resize than a plain band, because both bands have to be altered and put back together so the outer one still turns. Some cannot be resized at all.
- Keep it clean. Dirt and soap between the bands can stop them turning smoothly. Rinse it in warm, soapy water and dry it well; see how to clean gold jewellery.
The Pixiu
The Pixiu (貔貅) is a mythical creature from Chinese folklore that is said to draw in wealth and keep it, and to guard against bad luck. As a gold charm on the wrist, it is a popular gift for a new job, a new business or a new home. We have written a full guide: the Pixiu 916 gold bracelet: meaning and how to choose one, including the customs for which wrist to wear it on.
Gold cross pendants
"If you are a Christian," Jaffar says in the video, "we have some designs, like the cross one." A gold cross is one of the most personal pieces of jewellery anyone can wear, and a popular gift for a baptism, a first communion, a confirmation, a birthday or Christmas.
Cross or crucifix?
A crucifix is a cross that carries the figure of Christ, called the corpus. A cross is plain. Catholic and Orthodox Christians often wear a crucifix, while many Protestant Christians prefer a plain cross. If you are buying for someone else, check which they would wear.
Choosing a gold cross
- Size. A small cross sits neatly at the collarbone for everyday wear; a larger, more detailed cross makes more of a statement.
- The chain. Match the chain to the pendant. A heavier cross needs a sturdier chain, and the pendant's loop (the bail) must fit over the chain's clasp.
- Solid or hollow. Larger pendants can be made either way, which changes the weight and the price. See solid, hollow or gold-plated?
- For a child. A small, smooth cross on a fine chain is often given at a baptism and kept until the child is older. Babies should not wear necklaces unwatched; see buying gold as a gift.
What to check before you buy
Whatever the design, the same checks apply:
- The purity stamp. Ask to see it on the piece. 916 or 999? Gold purity explained shows what the marks mean.
- The weight in grams, written on your receipt. Gold is priced by weight; check today's gold rate.
- An itemised quote: gold value, making charge and GST as separate lines. See how to check a gold price quote.
- The fit, for rings and bracelets. Try them on, or bring a ring or bracelet that already fits.
Questions people ask
What does a gold abacus ring mean?
The abacus counts money, so in Chinese culture it is linked with wealth, prosperity and success in business. A gold abacus ring or pendant is a popular gift for someone starting a business or a new job, and around Chinese New Year.
What is a spinning ring called?
A spinner ring. It has an inner band and an outer band that turns around it. In Chinese gold jewellery, spinning designs are linked with zhuan yun, turning your luck; in the West, spinner rings are also called fidget or worry rings.
Can I buy Chinese or Christian designs at an Indian jeweller in Little India?
Yes. Alongside traditional Indian jewellery, we carry Chinese designs such as the Pixiu and the abacus, and Christian designs such as gold crosses. Designs change as pieces sell and new ones arrive, so message us to check what is in store.
Is a cross the same as a crucifix?
No. A crucifix carries the figure of Christ; a cross is plain.
Come and see them
If you are looking for a piece of jewellery, as Jaffar puts it, come to Minora Jewels: we will be happy to serve you. We are at 142 Dunlop Street, inside Haniffa, in Little India, a few minutes from Little India (NE7, DT12) and Rochor (DT13) MRT stations, and open every day from 10.30am to 9.30pm. Walk in any time, or WhatsApp us or DM @minorajewels to check availability first. Browse more gold jewellery before you visit.
The meanings described here are traditional beliefs, shared for interest, not promises of any outcome.