This mammoth ivory pendant has been carved on one side with a dragon and on the other side with a phoenix. The carving is raised and done in great detail. I have beaded it with Peruvian opal barrels that are an absolutely gorgeous color. The barrels are approximately 10 mm by 10 mm and are interspersed with small turquoise beads. Peruvian opal has more depth and is a richer color than turquoise.

The mammoth ivory pendant is 3” x 1 1/2”. The necklace is 19 1/2” around and is finished with a 18k gold vermeil clasp. This one of a kind necklace is a treasure to wear.

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.

Peruvian blue opal is relatively rare and is only found in the Andes mountains in Peru. It is a moderately translucent stone with color similar to the Caribbean Sea. It can have brown or black inclusions.

Mammoth Ivory comes from tusk of the extinct mammoth elephant that lived on the Earth from about 4.8 million to 4,500 years ago (Pliocene era). Because they are extinct they are not endangered and therefore, are legal and save the African elephant. The artisans that carved elephant ivory are now carving mammoth ivory that is recovered in Siberia.