This is beautiful and rare lavender jade pendant is carved with three fish cavorting among the lotus blossoms.  The fish on the bottom has a touch of green in it.  The raised carving is beautifully done in much detail showing the fishes eyes, scales, fins and tails.  The pendant is carved on the back with a lotus leaf.  And measures 1 3/4” x 1 1/4”.  I have beaded the jade pendant with 10 mm deep purple amethyst beads and finished it with a sterling silver clasp.  The necklace is 19 1/2” around, however. I can adjust the length to be longer or shorter if needed.

The fish is symbolic of abundance, prosperity, wealth and persistence.  It is also believed to represent an advantage in business.  A pair of fish symbolizes a happy marriage.

The sacred lotus, also known as the sea rose, is a symbol of purity, fruitfulness and creativity.   The lotus, an aquatic plant, grows in ponds or rivers, the roots planted in the bottom soil and the leaves float on the water.  The blossoms rise above the leaves and are very showy.   The lotus is often shown together with fish where it symbolizes prosperity year after year.  It also symbolizes sexual harmony, the lotus representing the female and the fish representing the male.

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.

Amethyst is the birthstone for February and the zodiacal stone for Pisces.  It is attractive to people who are caring and warm-natured and have a love of family and children. It is the suggested gem to give on the 4th, 6th and 17th wedding anniversaries.

The Greeks believed that wearing amethyst would prevent intoxication.   In medieval Europe soldiers wore amethyst amulets to protect them in battle.   It is believed that putting an amethyst under your pillow will bring about pleasant dreams.