The central pendant of this necklace shows an incredibly detailed and life-like reef shrimp resting on a rock. The grey-green of the shrimp is matched by pale green jadeite barrels. Translucent mixed agate in dark honey shades provides contrast.
The shrimp pendant was hand-carved from a single piece of agate. The jadeite and agate beads are hand-knotted on tan silk and finished with a sterling silver Bali clasp. This necklace is just over 19 inches, including the clasp.
Disclosure: Please note that the display mannequin in the photo is about half-human scale; the necklace has been draped around the back of the mannequin to simulate how the necklace would hang. Please refer to the other photos for a picture of the entire necklace and an indication of scale. Like all of my jewelry, this necklace is not intended for use by persons under 13.
About the Stones:
Agate is a form of silicon dioxide (quartz) and is usually formed as nodules in volcanic deposits. Its characteristic banding and translucency distinguishes it from related stones in the chalcedony family. Agate is a hard stone, with a Mohs hardness of 7. Agates are supposed to make excellent “worry stones.”
Many different stones are referred to as “jade,” but only two, jadeite and nephrite, are considered to be “true” jade. Jadeite is sodium aluminum silicate, and is usually green or mottled green and white. In addition, yellow, red, lavender, blue, brown, white and black jadeite are known to occur. Nephrite is calcium magnesium iron silicate and ranges from dark green to creamy white.
In Chinese tradition, jade symbolized the five virtues of humanity: wisdom, compassion, justice, modesty and courage. It is also considered a heavenly stone, and brings luck, longevity and wealth.
