This rectangular piece of dark green unpolished jade has a vintage piece of Chinese silver that was used as a decoration or garment closure on the Chinese robe. I found this wonderful piece of silver while traveling in China. The silver is vase with leaves and an upside down bat on the top. On the vase is a raised dragon face. These were chosen for the design because of the fabulous symbolism which Asian people liked to adorn their clothing. This one of a kind pendant is 1” wide and drops 3” from a black natural leather cord that can be adjusted from 16” to 32” so it can be worn a variety of lengths. This is a unique pendant necklace as well as a collector’s item.

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.

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.

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.