This piece of black jade is carved with a fish and a lotus on the front.  On the back it is carved with two lotus.  The jade measures 1 3/4”long by 1 1/4”  wide.  I have topped it with a gorgeous blue glass lamp work bubble bead that reminds me of fish blowing bubbles.  The entire pendant drops 2 1/2” from a black natural leather cord that is adjustable from 14” to 28” so it can be worn a variety of lengths.  This is a one-of-a-kind pendant necklace.

The fish is symbolic of abundance, prosperity, wealth and persistence.  It is also believed to represent an advantage in business.  The sacred lotus, also known as the sea rose, is a symbol of purity, fruitfulness and creativity.   The lotus, an aquatic plant, grows in ponds or rivers, the roots planted in the bottom soil and the leaves float on the water.  The blossoms rise above the leaves and are very showy.   The lotus is often shown together with fish where it symbolizes prosperity year after year.  It also symbolizes sexual harmony, the lotus representing the female and the fish representing the male.

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.