A jade amulet of protection

                                                                                                   Click on the image for more details

The píng ān kòu (平安扣) is a very popular amulet of protection in China. A rough translation is something along the lines of a 'circle of peace and safety'. You can often see them being worn by young children. This one is carved from fine green jade set in 18k gold, studded with pale rubies.