Understated Statement Necklace of Celadon Jade, Amber & Gold on Silk Band

• This is a big chunk of carved jade in the subtle colour of celadon, with touches of caramel coming out in the jade.  It is wonderfully carved, showing the mischievous qilins, or mythical animals, crawling up the sides of a double gourd, hoping to possess it. This is indeed a race to the top because the double gourd is a symbol of longevity, fecundity and abundance.  Whoever takes the gourd over, receives these attributes.  The jade is 1 ½” (4cm) long,

1 ¼” (3cm) wide and 18mm deep.

 

• A bar of amber (whisky coloured) (1 ¼” or 3cm) sits horizontally on top of the jade.

 

• Placed above the amber is an antique, faded gold, handmade Afghan bead.  This is gold-on-silver-on-hardened resin, which the Afghans took on as a technique which they learned from the Greeks, who invaded Afghanistan in 330 BC.  This is a time-consuming skill.

 

• The elements all hang on a handmade taupe silk/polyester band. The band’s clasp consists of a jade bead which fits into one of two stretchable silk rings, enabling the wearer to vary the length. My silver label is attached at the ring.

 

• The necklace comes, like all my necklaces, with its own colour co-ordinated silk brocaded pouch bag, made by a Shanghai tailor.

 

• The necklace measures 18 inches (45.5 cm) around the band and with the clasp included,  with a 3¼”(8.5cm) pendant drop.