Kevin Kwan, the author of the best-selling “Crazy Rich Asians” trilogy, has revealed a personal connection to the world of jewelry that has influenced his writing and his life. In a recent interview, Kwan shared the story behind an Art-Deco-cut imperial jade ring that holds a special place in his heart.
The ring, originally belonging to Kwan’s paternal grandmother, Egan Oh, was passed down to him by his aunt, Mary Kwan, who helped him develop his love of writing. Kwan described the ring as a lozenge-shaped imperial jade piece with small diamonds on each side, set on a silver band with intricate detailing.
For Kwan, the ring serves as a connection to his lineage and a world of opulence and gentility that no longer exists. He keeps the ring in a vault, as he prefers not to wear jewelry, but he acknowledges the symbolic significance of the piece and the memories it holds.
While Kwan does not plan to pass the ring down to future generations, he sees himself as a custodian of the piece for this generation. He believes that objects like the ring are meant to have a life beyond their owners and that the meaning and memories attached to them are what truly matter.
As Kwan continues to captivate readers with his storytelling, it is clear that his personal connection to jewelry and the memories it holds play a significant role in shaping his work.
