This beautiful one of a kind piece of bicolor jade has been carved to emphasize the design using the two colors of the one piece of jade. The background is the pale green jade while the dragon has been carved out of the deep orange jade of the piece and the bat on the side is of the paler orange of the jade. The back of the jade is pale green and is carved with a pi and lotus design. The jade is 2” long by 1 1/4” wide. I have beaded this piece with 10 mm round deep carnelian which picks up the color of the dragon. It is 19” long and is finished with a 18k gold vermeil hook clasp.

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.

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. Two bats together means double good fortune.

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.

At one time only nobility owned carnelian and many times they were buried with this stone. The most highly prized carnelian is a deep red to red-orange color.