Potential collectors Pearl spent some time in China around 1929.Description Temporary markdown so that someone who would draw strength from this talisman of fierce spirit and protection may bring it home in these turbulent times, was 1,995 - Dragons are a symbol of protection and power and strength. They call to the mystical in you and the strength you embody. There is no more fierce aspect of your character to reach for or to embody. We do not know exactly how old this rare necklace is, but we know it is OLD and that we’ve never seen its’ equal. It is almost like a piece of armor, the way it coils around your neck and locks into place (the clasp is still *so* strong). This dragon’s home is a thick grove of bamboo, which grows lushly to either side. There is further symbolism embedded in the design that we do not know how to decipher, including a hanzi we cannot translate. This necklace exemplifies the meticulous artistry of Chinese silversmiths. Export pieces – if this is one, there are no hallmarks – came into popularity beginning in the 18th century when trade routes opened between China and the West. Acid tests sterling silver, although 900 silver was inmon use in China at that time. This piece would be a collar necklace on some, and a necklace on others. 15 inches inner circumference, 17 inches outer circumference, 4 ¾ inches inner diameter. The dragon is almost ½ inch wide at the front of the collar (and ¼ inch depth), and one of the fans at the back of the collar is ¼ of an inch wide (1/8 inch depth).