Antique Qing Dynasty Mutton Fat Ring

Elegant, rare, and dating to the late Qing period (circa 1890s), this hand-carved nearly colorless white nephrite plaque has been etched on both sides. One one, the Chinese mythological figure known as Zhang Guo Lao is depicted riding a mule. On the opposite side, a magpie sits on a branch of cherry blossoms. The magpie is associated with intelligence. The carving is breathlessly simple and excellent; the work executed -of course- without the aid of electricity or modern tools. Measuring 42.54mm x 29.92mm, the plaque has a hole drilled through the center, which is original to the piece. A silver bail is threaded through the hole and a pair of beads -black jade and coral- reside at the bottom. The jade plaque hands from a 1920s silver chain that is 32" in length. Prior to the discovery of and appreciation for the very fine green jadeite from Burma, colorless, opaque, pure white nephrite jade from the Northern mountains of China was the most revered jade; the original "imperial jade, as only members of the royal court could wear or even touch it. Most of what is commercially sold today as "mutton fat...

Note the smooth surface of the white nephrite jade (Mutton Fat), and how light drapes over the curves. Look closely: the lapidary artist who created this ma...

Subtle and achingly beautiful, this antique hand-carved jade pendant depicts a feline curled in contentment. The carving was most likely created near the turn of the previous century (circa 1899) though it could be older. The jade is white nephrite, among the most prized varieties of jade and known more commonly as "mutton fat...

This antique jade pendant was created near the turn of the previous century (circa 1900) in China. The half-moon-shaped white nephrite jade -also known as Mutton Fat...

This exquisite and rare black jade tablet dates to the Qing period. The Qing Dynasty period spanned the years 1636 -1912. Precisely dating jade artifacts...

A bright pink tourmaline weighing .60 carats is surrounded by 10 luminous natural saltwater pearls in this antique 18K yellow gold ring. This gorgeous jewel dates from around 1840, t...

By well-known designer Elizabeth Locke, this ring is a classic!! Handmade 19 karat solid yellow gold with her signature hammered finish. 20 X 20mm cushion shape "fat bee" top. Inclu...

Vintage Chinese mutton fat white jade carved thumb ring, a lovely unique piece that is sure to please ID: 24mm OD: 37mm H: 24mm US Size: 14 Circa: mid 20th century

Is beautiful green jadeite jade something that you would enjoy wearing! Jadeite has meaning and properties of bringing happiness! This gemstone is filled with positive energy. It wo...

18K yellow gold ring centered with a cabochon-cut red stone. Antique. Numbered. Gross weight: 2.19 grams.

This vertical rectangular shaped dinner ring is designed around two Old Mine cut cushion-shaped diamonds each measuring 0.25 carats, accented with two...

This antique dinner ring features two Old Mine cut diamonds surrounded by a mix of ten Old Mine cut and single cut diamonds set in an elaborate ope...