This beautiful bicolor jade - green and rusty orange - has been carved with a dragon. The carving is raised and has been done to emphasize the green dragon.  The jade has a lot of translucency.  The back is carved with the money sign and the lu yee sign - good fortune - and is framed in 18 karat gold vermeil with a pin soldered on the back as well as a bale so it can be worn as a pin or a pendant.  The jade is 1 3/4 inches long by 1 1/4 inch wide.

The dragon is the imperial emblem of the Emperors in China, especially from the from the Han period where their coat of arms shows two dragons fighting for the fiery pearl.  The dragon is a supernatural creature and is the symbol of power, strength, wisdom and goodness.  It represents the utmost in accomplishment: good luck and a successful life. It is also believed to be the guardian of hidden treasures.  It represents the spirit of growth and change.

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.