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Chinese Lapis Lazuli Carp Pendant with Carnelian Bead

A blue lapis lazuli pendant carved as a carp fish with a red carnelian bead on top.

Estimated value

$35 - $85

Rarity

Ordinary(3/10)

Category

Gemstones

Era

circa 1970-1990

Origin

🇨🇳 China

Artist / Creator

chinese snuiffles

Authenticity

Moderate(65%)
36

CHINESE LAPIS LAZULI CARP PENDANT WITH CARNELIAN BEAD: IDENTIFICATION

A hand-carved pendant fashioned from lapis lazuli in the form of a leaping carp, measuring approximately 4 cm in height. The lapis displays a deep ultramarine color with significant grey-white calcite inclusions and visible flecks of brassy pyrite. A faceted or ribbed carnelian bead is mounted at the apex, likely concealing a drill hole for suspension. The carving employs a traditional 'yue long men' (carp jumping over the dragon gate) motif, featuring incised scales and a fan-shaped tail associated with mid-to-late 20th-century Chinese export lapidary work.

Compare with other gemstones in the archive: Natural Diamond - 0.45ct Round Brilliant (GWLAB Certified), 0.50 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond (AIG D2410518829), Natural Tanzanite - 4.51ct Pear Cut (IGE Certified).

COLLECTOR NOTES

1

The presence of pyrite flecks in the blue stone was historically called 'stars in the sky' and was used by ancient Egyptian pharaohs for amulets over 5,000 years ago.

SCARCITY

Ordinary40-55%
CommonLegendary

Standard antiques commonly found at estate sales and flea markets. Plentiful supply meets modest demand.

Rarity 3/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 15 gemstones items at rarity 3 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

  • Moderate production runs
  • Common at estate sales
  • Entry-level collectibles

Confidence Factors

  • Common use of dyed sodalite as a lapis substitute in mass-market carvings
  • Visible joinery for the red bead suggests modern adhesive use
  • Natural calcite and pyrite suggest genuine stone, but lack of magnification prevents confirmation of dye treatment
How does authenticity detection work?

GEMOLOGIST'S TAKE

Decorative Arts Specialist

Silver & Glass Expert

Identification is high based on clear mineralogical markers (pyrite and calcite) and regional carving style, though the possibility of dye treatment cannot be ruled out from the image alone.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Brassy pyrite inclusions visible on the fish head are diagnostic markers of genuine lapis lazuli over synthetic glass or plastic
  • 2Stylized fan-tail carving and concentric eye rings are hallmarks of 20th-century Chinese lapidary workshops
  • 3The 2.7-2.9 specific gravity feel is consistent with the lazurite/calcite/pyrite matrix
  • 4Surface wear on high points indicates the item has been handled or worn as jewelry

UNCERTAINTIES

  • •High calcite-to-lazurite ratio (the amount of white/grey) lowers the commercial gemstone grade considerably
  • •Potential for blue dye enhancement to mask the grey calcite patches

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Acetone swab test in an inconspicuous area to check for blue dye transfer
  • →Verification under 10x magnification to confirm pyrite crystals are embedded and not painted
  • →Observation under UV light; calcite often fluoresces pink or orange, while lazurite remains inert

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

The carving exhibits a stable fracture line across the upper tail section and minor surface abrasions consistent with wear. The carnelian bead shows slight misalignment where it is glued to the lapis base.

GEMSTONE VALUATION

$35 - $85

Updated: May 10, 2026

Who buys this

Collectors of mid-century Chinese export carvings and enthusiasts of symbolic semi-precious stone jewelry.

What increases value

  • •Intensity of the blue lazurite color (darker holds higher value)
  • •Intricacy of the carving on the tail and fins
  • •Authenticity of the carnelian accent stone

What lowers value

  • •Excessive grey/white calcite coverage compared to blue fields
  • •Chips or cracks in the brittle lapis material
  • •Evidence of synthetic dye treatments

What makes top-tier examples

  • •Uniform 'royal blue' color with zero visible calcite
  • •Finely dispersed 'golden' pyrite
  • •Detailed undercutting in the carving work

Grade & condition

Color saturation, mineral purity (minimal calcite), and crispness of the carving lines.

Rarity & demand

OrdinaryModerate demandSells quickly
Browse similar gemstones objects

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

FROM THE CABINET OF

BR

bruinsma
The Connoisseur•59 items

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