Chinese Longevity Lock Necklace – Silver, Enamel, Agate & Lapis Lazuli
A distinctive Chinese necklace centered on an antique silver longevity lock amulet, richly decorated with polychrome enamel and an auspicious inscription.
One side of the lock is decorated with iris-like flowers and scrolling foliage, highlighted in blue, turquoise and mauve enamel against a gilt ground. The reverse bears the traditional Chinese inscription 長命富貴 (Cháng Mìng Fù Guì), meaning “Long Life, Wealth and Honour.”
Such inscriptions are closely associated with Chinese longevity locks (changming suo), protective amulets traditionally connected with long life, protection and prosperity.
The lock is suspended beneath a large lapis lazuli bead and a ribbed high-grade tested silver bead. The necklace itself combines substantial irregular agate beads in beautiful cream, honey, caramel and warm brown tones, together with lapis lazuli and intense green stone beads, possibly amazonite.
The contrast between the warm agates, deep blue lapis, green stones and richly decorated silver amulet gives the necklace a particularly luminous and individual character.
Materials & Construction
- Antique Chinese lock amulet in high-grade tested silver
- Polychrome enamel and gilt decoration
- High-grade tested silver ribbed bead
- Lapis lazuli
- Irregular agate beads in cream, honey and caramel tones
- Green stone beads, possibly amazonite
- Fine gold-tone metal chain
- Gold-tone metal clasp
The green beads have not been gemologically tested and are therefore conservatively described as possibly amazonite.
Dimensions
- Necklace length: 38 cm
- Lock amulet: 5.2 × 3.6 cm
- Lock thickness: approx. 0.7 cm
- Total central drop: approx. 8.5 cm
- Weight: 139 grams
Origin & Cultural Context
China
The silver pendant belongs to the Chinese tradition of longevity lock amulets, whose symbolism is reinforced here by the inscription 長命富貴 — “Long Life, Wealth and Honour.”
The necklace appears to combine this older Chinese amulet with an assemblage of agate, lapis lazuli and green stone beads, creating a highly decorative piece while retaining the strong symbolic character of the original pendant.
Condition
Good vintage condition with visible signs of age and previous use.
The silver and enamel show surface wear and patina consistent with age. The ribbed silver bead above the pendant is flattened/dented on one side.
The agate beads are naturally irregular in shape, coloration and surface. The necklace is currently mounted on a fine gold-tone metal chain with a functional clasp.
Wearing & Display
At 38 cm, this is a relatively short necklace, designed to sit high around the neckline. The substantial 8.5 cm central pendant section creates a strong focal point.
It can be worn as an unusual statement necklace or appreciated as a collection piece combining Chinese protective symbolism, silverwork, enamel and traditional stone beads.
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- Country of origin: China
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Please notice:
This jewel is vintage and has been worn. Scratches and wear marks may visible. It has been cleaned to restore as much as possible its original shine.
Shipping:
All international shipments are tracked. The jewelry will be sent carefully wrapped and packed.
Customers outside of the European Union:
Customs, Duty Tax, VAT and any additional charges are not included in the price of the item. Buyers are responsible for any Customs Fees/Import Duty applied in their Country
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