This necklace is made with a wonderful piece of antique jade that is very smooth and warm. The is carved with a raised design with different designs on the front and on the back. On the front are two dragons on either side with a phoenix on the bottom. On the back are the backs of the dragon and a turtle. The jade varies in color from creamy beige to brown. The artist has used the different colors in the jade to detail this unique carving. The jade measures 2 1/4" by 1 1/2".

I have beaded the jade with 14 mm golden rutilated quartz beads that pick up the color of the dragon and emphasize it. These beads are clear with tiny inclusions of golden rutile embedded in the stone which gives this one-of-a-kind necklace a lot of dimension and interest. The necklace is 20" around and is finished with a 14k gold lobster clasp.

This is a collector's item as well as an "art to wear" necklace that will always be a stand out fashion piece of jewelry.

The phoenix, a mythical bird, is the symbolic of beauty and the emblem of the Empress. 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 also symbolic of prosperity and rich harvests. Together with the dragon it is symbolic of marriage - the dragon being the man and the phoenix representing the woman.


The turtle or tortoise is sacred to China. It is symbolic of longevity, steadfastness and endurance. It is believed to hide the secrets of heaven.

Chinese royalty has worn jade for centuries. 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. It is believed to protect the wearer and ensure good luck and good health as well as to increase life span.

Rutile is a major ore of titanium, which is a metal used in high tech. It often forms needle-like crystal inclusions inside the quartz, known as rutilated quartz. It has the appearance of tiny hairs of imbedded gold or other colors which give it the color. It can be dense with these inclusions or clear where the inclusions add little color. Rutilated quartz has been called Cupid's darts.