Wander down a quiet side street in Shanghai, away from the Bund, flanked by magnificent Art Deco architecture, as it follows the curve of the Huangpu river, and you’ll find a secret door painted red. Here, under a gilded ceiling, gemstones sparkle in the shadows, strangers become friends, fortunes are made and lost, and a thousand years of ancient culture meets the futuristic energy of a modern metropolis.

Inspired by the city’s unique melange of art, architecture and fashion, the Shanghai Collection celebrates the perfect harmony of East meets West, infused with the Art Deco influences of the 1920s. Juxtaposing baroque pearls, precious gemstones and crystals with Begum Khan’s beloved motifs of scarab beetles, tigers and turtles, these exquisite pieces take their names from momentous dates and landmarks in Shanghai, from the romantic Bund riverside walk to the bustling Puxi district. Enrobed in 24-carat gold plated bronze, they capture the delicate balance of yin and yang; past and present.

Years in the making, the Shanghai Collection is the ultimate expression of founder Begüm Kıroğlu’s fascination with Chinese culture. After studying for a Master’s degree, she spent six years in Shanghai laying the foundations of the Begum Khan brand, and immersing herself in the city’s unique energy. What better way to share her passion – and pay tribute to an essential chapter in her life - than by opening the doors to Begüm’s very own China Club?