The idea was first born in summer of 2025. We happened to be at this traditional crystal market in Donghai—a small town by the Pacific. 

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 go to the fair.

The town's crystal mining and crafting date back more than 3,000 years. Today Donghai's crystal supply is largely supported by small workshops scattered across villages.

Beyond craftsmanship, the healing energy of crystals deeply resonates with us. Each type of crystal carries its own unique energy — from the grounding and protective nature of darker tones to the clarity and focus offered by clear quartz. In a world that often feels overwhelming and fast-moving, this is the kind of energy we’re drawn to now more than ever.

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; 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; and most importantly, we want more people to feel a sense of healing, as modern life can be very stressful.

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

Wu Xing, or the philosophy of the Five Elements, is the guiding principle behind Le Lian’s designs. Rooted in the balance of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water, each piece reflects the natural flow of energy. Through thoughtful combinations of crystals, colors, and materials, our bracelets are created to align with these elemental energies.

At Le Lian, we hold craftsmanship, originality, and sustainability at the heart of everything we do.