This beautiful hand carved translucent green jade pendant is carved in the shape of a lock with a raise carved Phoenix on one side and raised Chinese script on the other side. The pendant is 2” wide by 1 1/2” tall and drops 2 1/4” from the necklace. I have beaded this with 11 mm carved Jade dragon beads and translucent green celadon jade. The necklace is 20 1/4” around and is finished with a large sterling silver hook clasp.

This is a one of a kind necklace.

The phoenix, a mythical bird, is the emblem of the Empress and of beauty. It only appears in time of peace and prosperity. It is believed that a following of smaller birds is always present when the phoenix is flying.
It is symbolic of prosperity, rich harvests, and beauty. Together with the dragon it is symbolic of marriage – the dragon being the man and the phoenix representing the woman.

Called the stone of heaven, jade has worn jade for centuries by Chinese royalty. It has been used since the Neolithic times for tools, weaponry, amulets, vases and figurines because of its hardness. It is believed to be a spiritual stone and has been called the jewel of heaven. It represents the five principal virtues: charity, modesty, courage, justice and wisdom. From cloudy white to golden brown, light to dark green, to rare lavender, jade is the most highly prized Asian gemstone. Jade has been regarded as the most precious stone for thousands of years and is treasured for its magical powers. It is believed to protect the wearer and ensure good luck and good health as well as to increase life span, which is why most Asians put a jade bangle on a baby’s arm and wear jade themselves.

Celadon jade is nephrite jade and is pale green translucency It comes mostly from Northwestern China.