While in I found this wonderful vibrant green jade in the shape of a lock. It is beautifully carved with an upside down bat on the bottom and a cut out design on the top. The jade is 2” wide by 1 1/2” tall. I have beaded it with 7 mm natural jade beads of the same color as the jade lock. It is 8 1/2” long and is finished with an 18k gold vermeil clasp.

The bat is symbolic of happiness, good fortune, prosperity and longevity. When something is portrayed upside down it means it has arrived, so the common portrayal of an upside-down bat is symbolic of good fortune that has arrived. It is one of the best symbols of good luck.

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