Laopu Gold: China’s Rising Luxury House

PetitePaulina – Laopu Gold is reshaping the luxury landscape in China. Wealthy consumers are shifting their attention from trendy collectibles to heritage jewelry, and the brand is leading this movement. Founded in 2009 by Xu Gaoming, Laopu Gold aims to revive traditional craftsmanship in modern gold accessories. The company became a national sensation after its 2024 Hong Kong IPO, drawing buyers who value cultural identity as much as design. Its pieces use techniques such as hammering, filigree, and enamel heating. These methods require time, skill, and patience, which add to the brand’s prestige. As China’s young elites rediscover the meaning of heritage, Laopu Gold has become a symbol of pride and artistic revival.

Craftsmanship That Turns Gold Into Living Art

Every Laopu Gold piece is built on centuries-old Chinese crafting traditions. The brand uses meticulous methods carving, hollowing, embedding, and enamel fusion to create jewelry that feels personal and symbolic. These processes take far longer than modern manufacturing, but the results justify the effort. Popular items like the diamond-studded Vajra pendant start at 14,500 renminbi. Larger designs or those with religious motifs can easily reach over 100,000 renminbi. Buyers are drawn not only to the beauty but also to the meaning. Many designs reference blessings, protection, or prosperity, making them particularly desirable during economic uncertainty. For collectors, these pieces are more than adornments. They are talismans of culture, memory, and identity.

Emotional Buying and the Power of Personal Stories

Laopu Gold’s success is fueled by emotional connection. Many fans share personal stories on Xiaohongshu, helping the brand spread organically. One customer, Chenchen Wang, recalls being stunned by the lifelike expression on a Laopu Buddha pendant worn by a friend. That moment drew her into the brand’s universe. She has since spent more than 1 million renminbi on Laopu jewelry and now views the pieces as cultural investments for her daughter. Buyers often describe the jewelry as both art and legacy. The pieces hold value, retain meaning, and bridge generations. Compared to Western luxury brands, Laopu offers something more intimate: a link to heritage that feels personally rooted.

Influencers Help Turn a Brand Into a Movement

The brand’s influence has grown rapidly thanks to Chinese fashion creators. Influencer Chen Baiyang, who has more than 1.8 million followers, began collecting Laopu pieces after hearing constant praise from friends. Her endorsement created a ripple effect family members, fans, and older relatives quickly joined the trend. This cross-generational appeal shows how Laopu Gold has become more than a fashion moment. It is shaping a cultural movement. The brand markets itself not as an accessories label but as a maker of luxury gold artifacts. This unique position sets it apart from Western houses and highlights its identity as a culturally rooted luxury brand.

Global Luxury Leaders Take Notice

Laopu Gold is now attracting attention far beyond China. Luxury titan Bernard Arnault spent more than 30 minutes inside a Laopu boutique during his Shanghai visit in September. Reports said he found the brand “exquisite and interesting,” a rare compliment in global luxury circles. At the China International Import Expo, Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin publicly praised Laopu for its deep cultural symbolism. He compared its heritage to Italy’s long-standing artisanal traditions. This recognition reflects Laopu’s growing influence. With 48 stores across Asia and a customer base that overlaps with Western luxury brands, Laopu is positioning itself as China’s most promising global contender.

A Smart Business Model Behind the Beauty

Laopu’s rise is driven not only by artistry but also by strategic vision. The brand sells jewelry at fixed prices instead of by weight, which reinforces the perception of craftsmanship and value. When gold prices surged in 2024, Laopu’s designs became even more appealing because the premium gap narrowed. Analysts at HSBC estimate that Laopu’s market share in China’s high-end jewelry sector jumped to 16 percent in 2024, from 10 percent a year earlier. The bank predicts that Laopu’s profit could grow 218 percent in 2025. The company’s disciplined expansion, strong storytelling, and dedicated VIP services give it long-term potential beyond gold’s market cycles.

Shaping the Future of Chinese Luxury Identity

Young Chinese shoppers are becoming more selective in how they spend. They want luxury that feels meaningful, artistic, and personally relevant. Laopu Gold fits this desire perfectly. Its pieces blend cultural storytelling with modern aesthetics, offering something unique in the global jewelry market. Analysts note that Chinese consumers are now splitting their spending between “investment-grade” Western brands like Hermès and culturally rooted innovators like Laopu. Even Richemont’s CEO Nicolas Bos views Laopu’s success as positive, saying its creativity makes the luxury market more vibrant. As shoppers seek deeper cultural expression, Laopu Gold is emerging as the jewelry house that can define the next chapter of Chinese luxury.