Dragons….2012 is the year of the dragon! Mineshaft stocks a large range of carved gemstone dragons. We also have, from time to time, gemstone set dragon jewellery - but you have to be quick to find these, as they are popular.
The word dragon entered the English language in the early 13th century. Oriental dragons have been around a lot longer, and seem to begin to appear from as far back as the 16th century BC. The Japanese adopted the Chinese dragon through the spread of Buddhism around the 9th century AD.
European dragons will generally have wings and a nasty reputation whilst Chinese dragons are wingless, but can still fly. They can have anything from 3 to 5 toes, are more sinuous, and are associated with wisdom and Chi (Qi) - internal energy. Dragons can have a variable number of legs although most commonly have two pairs of lizard like legs. Chinese dragons are often depicted holding the pearl of wisdom in one of their front claws.
The dragon is a creature of myth and legend. It is a symbol of immense power. The Chinese regard the dragon as a divine beast whilst the reverse is the case in western mythology. The dragon is the Chinese imperial symbol, the sign of the emperor and is a symbol of power and wealth. (The Imperial Dragon has 5 toes, as it can read and write) The year of the Dragon comes around every 12 years. It is believed that all five Dragon years – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water – tend to magnify both success and failure. The year of the Water Dragon (1952, 1992 and 2012) is noted for its calm, visionary intelligence and balance of right brain creativity with left brain logic. It is believed that of all the Dragon years the Water Dragon is most likely to bestow the Chinese Five Blessings of harmony, virtue, riches, fulfillment and longevity adding more weight that 2012 will be a year of breakthroughs, not disasters.
If you have any questions send us an e mail. Go to About us and scroll down to 'contact us'. Below is a range of of some of our dragons
Large tigereye Dragon and Phoenix carving
Close up Tigereye Dragon
This is a beautiful carving in Tigereye sitting on a Picture Jasper base. It measures 160mm by 150 mm by 18mm. The price is A$500. Click on the image for a larger picture.
This is a beautiful carving. This dragon is hand carved with exquisite detail in mammoth ivory. It measures 65mm by 60mm by 20mm. The price is A$150. There are several more mammoth ivory dragon carvings under our page on Mammoth Ivory carvings. Click on the image for a larger picture.
Jasper large dragons
Another view Jasper dragons
Close up Jasper Dragons
Back of Jasper Dragon carving
This carving is from a single piece of gemstone. The Dragons are carved in Jasper sitting on a base of grey Quartz. The ball is also of grey Quartz. The carving measures 18cm by 19cm by 6.5cm. It weighs 1.7 kilo. The price is $950. Click on the image for a larger picture.
This Ruby in Zoisite Dragon carving measures 80mm by 40mm by 35mm. It weighs 98 grams. The price is A$140.
This is a Dragon carving in Quartz. The cost is A$40. Click on the image for a larger picture. Click on the image for a larger picture.
This Dragon is made in Rose Quartz. It weighs 105 grams and the price is A$80. Click on the image for a larger picture.
This is a large carving of two Dragons in horn. It measures 195mm by 50mm by 30mm without the base. The price is A$550. Click on the image for a larger picture.
This is a lovely medium sized Dragon carving in Mammoth IvoryClick on the image for a larger picture. The price is A$700.
This dragon is carved in Mammoth Ivory and has a wood backing. The price is A$150. There are several more mammoth ivory dragon carvings under our page on Mammoth Ivory carvings. Click on the image for a larger picture.
This Dragon carving is carved in Mammoth Ivory. The price is A$120. Click on the image for a larger picture.
This is a large master carved Mammoth Ivory Dragon. It measures 130mm by 70mm by 22mm not including the stand. The price is A$750. Click on the image for a larger picture.
This is a nice carving of Buddha and a Dragon carved in white mammoth Ivory. The price is A$250. Click on the image for a larger picture.
This is a lovely 3D carving of a Dragon in Mammoth Ivory. The price is A$350. Click on the image for a larger picture.
his is a very ferocious looking winged dragon carved in Mammoth Ivory. The price is A$350. Click on the image for a larger picture.
This is a brilliant detailed sterling silver Dragon bracelet set with Amethyst. It weighs 50 grams and is priced at A$400. Click on the image for a larger picture.
Unfortunately all our dragon bracelets have been sold. We have left this picture on the site as we are currently making some more. The stones we are using are Garnet, Amethyst,Peridot, Chrome Diopside and Opal. These will be ready early next year. If you wish to 'book' one please email us.