Baby Jade Rings and Coins
Alan Wong
Awong Magic
(Based on 2 reviews)
Each baby jade rings set comes with 10 golden brass Chinese coins (for give away), two red envelopes ( one more to spare) for the lucky money. The envelopes are embossed with the Chinese character "Double Happiness". The baby jade rings ( about 2" diameter) are authentic REAL JADE, and all the items are contained in a drawstring black velvet bag. The whole trick's effectiveness lies in this bag, which acts as a black-art mat and performing surface, giving it a good reason to be there. Many presentations themed around "Luck," "Prosperity," and "Blessings" can be created using these fine props. A separate smaller velvet bag is included to store and protect the jade rings when they are not in use. Instructional DVD included. Very easy to perform and great story telling piece. This elegant set of close-up magic can be carried in any close-up case or even in your pocket, always ready to perform.
Reviews
(Top ▲)
When I first saw this advertised and watched the demo video, I fell for it. I love elegant props and a clean effect. Alan Wong's Baby Jade Rings and Coins has both.
The magician removes the rings from a black velveteen bag which is used for a performance area. She also removes a Good Luck coin from a small red envelope. The coin is placed on the bag and one of the rings and envelope are placed on top of it. The second ring is then placed on the envelope. When the upper ring and envelope are removed, the coin has vanished. It can be brought back by reversing the process or perhaps be found in another location.
Seasoned magicians will recognize the effect as the gaff has been around for a long time. Mr. Wong has added some innovative work to it which makes it more deceptive. The Rings are real jade and the carrying bag is nicely made. A quantity of Good Luck coins and a couple red envelopes round out a very lovely package.
The workings of the effect place it well within the reach of a beginning magician. The price point and need to develop an appropriate presentation frame does not. Unless you are of Asian heritage, I would avoid the frame suggested by Mr. Wong.
My only additional comment is that my set had to be fixed as the gaff was falling apart. Not a show stopper as it was easily fixed but a little disappointing given the price point.
The magician removes the rings from a black velveteen bag which is used for a performance area. She also removes a Good Luck coin from a small red envelope. The coin is placed on the bag and one of the rings and envelope are placed on top of it. The second ring is then placed on the envelope. When the upper ring and envelope are removed, the coin has vanished. It can be brought back by reversing the process or perhaps be found in another location.
Seasoned magicians will recognize the effect as the gaff has been around for a long time. Mr. Wong has added some innovative work to it which makes it more deceptive. The Rings are real jade and the carrying bag is nicely made. A quantity of Good Luck coins and a couple red envelopes round out a very lovely package.
The workings of the effect place it well within the reach of a beginning magician. The price point and need to develop an appropriate presentation frame does not. Unless you are of Asian heritage, I would avoid the frame suggested by Mr. Wong.
My only additional comment is that my set had to be fixed as the gaff was falling apart. Not a show stopper as it was easily fixed but a little disappointing given the price point.
(Top ▲)
Many people in the U.S. and around the world make the false assumption that everything that comes out of China is cheap, knocked-off crap. While there's certainly plenty of that, Alan Wong is obviously doing his best to not live up to that stereotype.
Let's just start with the packaging. How many magic products have you purchased that came wrapped in a stamped, tissue-paper-sealed box? Not many, I suspect. If you read the description, you'll also see that it comes with two jade rings. Those can't be cheap (thus the price of this product, I suspect).
The props come with a DVD that explains everything and gives you a routine to start with. However, I think you should let your imagination run wild. What you're buying is an interesting system for creating beautiful moments of close-up magic. Of all the pieces supplied, only one is really necessary for making the thing work, so feel free to swap for different coins, envelopes or whatever else strikes your fancy.
I brought this out at a recent Master Class and Jeff (McBride) had some experience with the props. Apparently this is a pretty common street magic trick in China, where they have real street magicians that work all day every day and make their living performing magic. I've been a witness to Chinese street performers. They take their art very seriously and can take a simple gimmick and fool you very badly.
Let's just start with the packaging. How many magic products have you purchased that came wrapped in a stamped, tissue-paper-sealed box? Not many, I suspect. If you read the description, you'll also see that it comes with two jade rings. Those can't be cheap (thus the price of this product, I suspect).
The props come with a DVD that explains everything and gives you a routine to start with. However, I think you should let your imagination run wild. What you're buying is an interesting system for creating beautiful moments of close-up magic. Of all the pieces supplied, only one is really necessary for making the thing work, so feel free to swap for different coins, envelopes or whatever else strikes your fancy.
I brought this out at a recent Master Class and Jeff (McBride) had some experience with the props. Apparently this is a pretty common street magic trick in China, where they have real street magicians that work all day every day and make their living performing magic. I've been a witness to Chinese street performers. They take their art very seriously and can take a simple gimmick and fool you very badly.