The Empress and the Stone of Dreams: Cixi and the Allure of Pink Tourmaline
- Annabelle Choong
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
Once the heart of imperial China, the Forbidden City — or Imperial Palace — stood as the residence of emperors throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties. Behind its crimson walls and golden roofs unfolded centuries of court life, artistry, and opulence. It was here that the final rulers of the Qing dynasty once lived, including one of its most powerful figures: Empress Dowager Cixi.
Photographed by Author in Oct 2025.
Credit to H.I.M, the Empress Dowager of China, Cixi (1835 – 1908) by Hubert Vos.
During my recent visit, I found myself at Chu Xiu Gong, the palace Cixi favoured within the Forbidden City. The air there felt still yet resplendent, the soft pink interiors and ornate furnishings echoing the grace and authority of the woman who once walked its halls. Among her many passions, one gem captured her fascination more than any other — pink tourmaline.
A Gem Fit for an Empress
In the twilight years of the Qing dynasty, shipments of pink tourmaline from California’s Pala mines made their way to China, sparking Cixi’s deep affection for the gem. She believed its warm hue symbolised femininity, vitality, and prosperity, and surrounded herself with it in jewellery and decor. So great was her devotion that her final resting pillow was carved entirely from pink tourmaline — a gesture that immortalised her love for the stone.
Pink Tourmaline rough stone from the Qing dynasty, photographed by the author at the National Palace Museum, Taipei (2023). Once cherished in the imperial court, such gems reveal the enduring fascination Empress Dowager Cixi held for this radiant stone.
Though her legacy remains complex, Cixi’s taste shaped an era where beauty became a form of power. Her admiration for pink tourmaline elevated the gem into a symbol of both imperial grace and enduring allure.
The Beauty of Pink Tourmaline
Beyond its royal history, pink tourmaline is celebrated for its remarkable range of tones — from the palest blush to vivid fuchsia and deep rose. Belonging to the tourmaline mineral group, it is prized for its pleochroism — the ability to reveal different shades when viewed from varying angles — and its hardness of 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making it ideal for jewellery worn every day.
Each gem carries a unique personality: some glowing softly like morning light, others radiating a vibrant, lively pink reminiscent of blooming peonies.
Fujimori Kajita’s Pink Tourmaline Creations
At Fujimori Kajita, we are drawn to pink tourmaline for its balance of warmth and refinement — a stone that speaks quietly yet leaves a lasting impression. Each gem is cut and polished by our Japanese craftsmen to reveal its inner light, bringing out subtle gradations of colour that feel alive beneath the surface.
Our pink tourmaline pieces capture this essence through designs that combine modern simplicity with timeless artistry. The oval-cut stone glows with an intense pink, while the pear-shaped pair evokes symmetry and grace — perfect as earrings. For those seeking bolder expression, the trilliant-cut tourmaline offers a distinctive, contemporary silhouette for a statement cocktail ring.
Pink Tourmaline loose stones are available at our Ann Siang Hill Boutique for bespoke jewellery service.
A Modern Reflection of an Imperial Favourite
From the Forbidden City’s quiet courtyards to the ateliers of modern Japan, pink tourmaline continues to enchant — its colour, once adored by an empress, now reinterpreted through contemporary craftsmanship.
Each piece at Fujimori Kajita carries that same spirit: a celebration of beauty, strength, and the light that connects past and present.
Explore the Collection
Discover our selection of pink tourmaline jewellery and gemstones at Fujimori Kajita — available at our Boutique at Ann Siang Hill and Takashimaya Department Store.