The si dian jin (四点金) is a 4-piece set of gold jewellery presented to the bride by the groom's mother. This refers to a Necklace, a Ring, a Bangle, and a pair of earings. Traditionally, these items are made of yellow gold and the traditional design is the Long Feng (Dragon and Pheonix) design.The si dian jin (四点金) is to be presented during the Guo Da Li. This is a Teochew tradition.
The origins of this customs stems from the times where houses in Teochew province have 4 curved rooftops that looked like the word “Jin” (Think shape of umbrella). When the mother in law gives her daughter in law Si Dian Jin, it is meant to tell the girl that she will always have a roof (or rather 4 roofs) over her head. It remains an obligatory practice for grand or small scales weddings depending on the families’ preferences. Especially for the Teochew dialect group which pays great attention to this practice.These 4 pieces always come as a set for a sense of unity and looking aesthetically complete. It indirectly reflects on the wealth and status of the groom’s family when older generations used to take immense pride in this ritual. Depending on dialect groups, most Teochew families continue to practice si dian jin with a complete set of all four items. Whilst the Cantonese and Hokkiens dialect groups are less extravagant, who place importance on a pair of dragon phoenix bangles (symbolize harmony and completion) and a pair of simple gold bangles respectively. As with popular belief, the dragon and phoenix give an absolute balance in relationships, bringing to the newly weds a new chapter of eternal love and fulfillment.
A si dian jin set could cost from $500 to thousands of dollars. Selection and purchase of the jewellery is usually made 2-3 weeks before the wedding day and delivered together to the bride’s home with the traditional wedding cakes and biscuits.
There is no fixed rule or superstition involved should the couples choose to not practice si dian jin . It was mainly a matter of pride in the past where jewellery bestowed to the bride and worn on the wedding day is an exhibition of the wealth of the groom’s family and how much the mother-in-law favours the bride.
With intercultural marriages on the rise lately, si dian jin might be a lovely way to add a touch of tradition to the most important day of your life. Perhaps sharing a part of your cultural root with your the other half and his/her family who are unfamiliar brings great joy and pleasure. You have plenty of options for the traditional si dian jin with a modern twist.
Where to buy 四点金 (Dowry Jewellery)?
Below are some of the Jewellery shops to buy Dowry Jewellery:
1) Poh Heng
2) Heng Heng (AMK Central)
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| Si Dian Jin from Heng Heng (AMK) at $2728 |
3) Chung Hwa (people park complex 2nd level) no GST and workmanship
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| Chung Hwa at People Park Complex 2nd Level |
4) Jin Bao (people park complex 2nd level) no GST but got workmanship
5) Ngee Soon jewellery no workmanship, got GST
6) Ban Cheong
7) Tian Po
There is hallmarks and the lionhead mark on the shop for Poh Heng, Heng Heng and Jin Bao. There is no hallmark for Chung Hwa and Ngee Soon.
Most people bought item from Heng Heng (AMK) , Ngee Soon and Poh Heng for nice designs and bought from Chung Hwa for their classic designs.
Heng Heng(AMK) and Poh Heng workmanship is very expensive as compared to Ngee Soon and Ban Cheong.
The above research is gathered from prefectweddings http://www.perfectweddings.sg/forums/where-buy-916k-gold-4-dian-jin-wedding-band-712/index4.html
Below are the url to check the gold prices: http://www.kitco.com/charts/livegold.html http://www.bullion-rates.com/gold/SGD-history.htm#.UYptOrVTC-U
After some research, hopefully we will be able to bargain and negotiate for a nice set of Dowry Jewellery.
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