A pair of hairpins during Qing Dynasty sold for 82,800 yuan at the China Guardian 2012 autumn auctions. [Photo/ english.cgaurdian.com]

 Hairpins

Hairpins were also a common gift for a man to give his girlfriend in ancient times. An old tradition in China was that women would cut a small lock of hair to give to their beloved at their engagement, so hair decorations symbolize a promise of love.