This pendant is made with a piece of jade in the shape of a disk that is naturally two colors - blue and golden. The artist who carved it has used the two colors to emphasize the dragon that he has carved on one side and the phoenix that he has carved on the backside. I have topped the jade with a carved bone dragon. The dragon is carved very well and shows his body, scales, feet and even his black beaded eyes. The raised carving on the jade is also done in great detail. The jade disk is 2” in diameter. The entire pendant drops 2 1/2” from a black natural leather cord that is adjustable from 16” to 32” so it can be worn a variety of lengths.

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 phoenix, a mythical bird, is the emblem of the Empress and of beauty. It only appears in time of peace and prosperity. It is believed that a following of smaller birds is always present when the phoenix is flying.
It is symbolic of prosperity, rich harvests, and beauty. Together with the dragon it is symbolic of marriage – the dragon being the man and the phoenix representing the woman.


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.