The idea was first born in April 2025. We happened to be at this traditional crystal market in Donghai--a small town on China's east coast.

There were hundreds of stalls where vendors presented beads that were made in their small workshops. We were immediately caught by the splendid, raw and unpredictable beauty of crystals. Each workshop has its own, brought out by craftsmanship passed down through generations.

We later learnt that, every fourth and ninth day according to the agricultural calendar, rain or shine, families would drive their electronic mini-cargo vans to attend the fair. We found it cute in an ancient way.

We were wondering, why we hadn't met them earlier?

We strongly felt an impulse to do something. We want to invite more people to get a touch of the sheer wonderfulness of Donghai crystals; we want to spread the word about the diligence and wisdom of crystal carvers; and we want to work with the most brilliant designers to present the crystals, together with other kinds of beads, including wooden beads, in the most meaningful and sleek way.

After months of research, connecting with and learning from all the small workshops, we launched Le Lian in July 2025 in Shanghai, a metropolis full of creatives, with the goal of telling the stories of crystal workers who impressed us in the first place.