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.
- Dimensions:
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- Country of origin: China
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Antique & Vintage Condition:
These pieces have been previously worn and may show patina, surface wear, small scratches or other traces of age. Any significant condition issue is described in the product text and shown in the photographs.
Shipping:
European Union: free tracked shipping.
Outside the European Union: flat-rate tracked shipping €30.
Orders of €400 or more: free tracked shipping worldwide.
Orders over €100 are insured. A phone number may be required by the carrier for delivery.
Customs & Import Duties:
European Union: no customs duties on deliveries within the EU.
United States: orders are shipped DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), with applicable import duties already included and no additional customs fees due on delivery.
Other countries: local import duties, VAT or customs charges may apply.
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