I found this beautifully carved rare lavender jade three-legged frog in China. The natural jade had areas of pale yellow in the stone. The three-legged frog is believed to attract prosperity. On is back are carved three carved coins in the pale yellow area of the jade. The jade frog is 2” long and 1 1/2” wide. I have beaded it with 12 mm amethyst beads that pick up the color of the jade. The necklace is 20 1/4” around and is finished with a large sterling silver clasp.

The three-legged frog, or money frog, is believed to appear only during a full moon near homes and businesses that will soon receive good news that is money related. He stems for an old Chinese legend With money in his mouth, the three-legged toad is symbolic of good fortune and prosperity and is often worn as a charm or kept around the home to invite prosperity.

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. 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