This piece of naturally pale blue and with small areas gold jade has been intricately hand carved with a ram on the top, another ram on the bottom right and an upside down bat on the bottom left. The jade has a lot of translucency and is a naturally the two colors. The jade is carved on the back also with the ram and the money symbol. The jade measures 2” long by 1 1/2” wide. I have beaded in this beautiful jade with 13 mm Burmese blue jade interspersed with small golden agate beads. The necklace is 20” around and is finished with a 18K gold vermeil clasp.

Those that are born in the year of the ram are believed to be affectionate, unselfish, sensitive, and artistic. The ram is symbolic of retired life.

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.