Golden oldies still shine in modern era

Jeweler Lao Feng Xiang and other iconic local brands are plotting international expansion

Shanghai jewelry brand Lao Feng Xiang opened a 400-square-meter store on Fifth Avenue just before Christmas. Its neighbors now include Tiffany, Cartier and Bvlgari.

Since the New York branch launched on Dec 5, overseas Chinese have been flocking there to snap up its traditional accessories, many of them made of gold, and other pieces designed to suit more Western tastes. The brand is over 150 years old.