Type A Jadeite Laughing Buddha, Green Belly, 18K White Gold

A natural Type A jadeite seated Laughing Buddha (佛公) pendant in icy-glutinous texture, a light green body with a patch of yang green on the belly, set in 18K white gold, stone about 21.7 × 30.2 × 4 mm (height × width × thickness).

Icy-glutinous jadeite sits between icy and glutinous: fine-grained and semi-translucent, with a soft glow. The seller said "beautiful color, juicy". The Buddha sits cross-legged, laughing wide, carved in a juicy light green that deepens into bright yang green right on his round belly, the most visible spot of all; the trade calls a piece like this 带色, "with color". The 18K white gold mount follows the figure with two rows of small white stones and a stone-set flower bail, and the whole piece has real weight.

There is a saying that men wear Guanyin and women wear the Buddha; the Laughing Buddha stands for a ready smile, an easy heart and ample good fortune. Women wear it most often, though it suits men as well. At 30.2 mm wide plus the border it is a generous size that suits a slightly heavier chain, a dignified choice for an elder or for important occasions.

Every natural jadeite is one of a kind; any fine cotton specks or stone lines in this 30.2 mm green-belly Buddha formed in nature and are part of what shows it has not been treated. The gold setting reflects light, so photos can look slightly brighter than the piece.

This 30.2 mm green-belly Buddha has to pass our inspection center first and ships only when it agrees with its certificate. Checking and insured shipping are included in the price; any import duties are paid on delivery.