This piece of jade is naturally two colors - a bluish green and a golden color.  It has been carved with a lotus with a small baby squirrel on one side.  The artist has used the two colors to emphasize the lotus and the squirrel.  The pendant is 2 1/2” by 1 1/2” and is carved on both sides.  I have beaded it with 10 mm aquamarine that is the same color as the blue green Jade. I have interspersed the aquamarine with small serpentine beads the same color as the gold in the Jade.  The necklace is 18 inches around and is finished with an 18 K vermeil clasp.

The lotus, also known as the sea rose, is a symbol of purity, fruitfulness and creativity.

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.

Aquamarine is a variety of beryl.   It belongs to the same family as emerald.  It can be translucent or milky to very clear.  Aquamarine comes from Brazil, Madagascar, Russia and the USA. It is the birthstone for those born in the month of March.  It is believed to bestow courage.