“Five Clawed Dragon”, a collaboration between S.T.Dupont and artists & master gemstone carver Luis Alberto Quispe Aparicio to celebrate S.T.Dupont´s 75th lighter/fire anniversary.

This set was inspired in the most significant Chinese Dragon. In the 13th Century, the Dragon became a symbol of nobility as the first Ming Emperor decreed that the dragon would be his emblem and that it would have five claws. This piece was entirely hand crafted combining techniques of a high degree of difficulty of both; gemstone carving and jewellery

The materials used to carve the Dragon were carefully selected not only to take care of aesthetics but also having in consideration the meaning of each material to have the fire symbolism present. Obsidian used to cave the body of the dragon is formed as lava from volcanic eruptions which cools within the earth to form a natural solid volcanic glass. Complementing obsidian, fire agate (a variety of chalcedony) was used for the flames of the lighter. This stone is only found in certain areas of Arizona and northern Mexico and was formed around 24-36 millions of years ago in areas which were subjected to massive volcanic activity and is considered one of the hardest gems to cut into finished stones.

Therefore, we can say that the soul of this dragon lies on the fire and lava of the volcanoes that formed both obsidian and fire agate millions of years ago.

Additional Information:

All the metal work is in Gold Vermeil and each piece was handmade either by carving wax or directly hand hammering the bronze. A group of 4 people were in charge of this project, two master carvers, one master polisher and one master metal smith. In total more than 550 hours of working hours invested in this piece.

Due to the botryoidally shape and very thin refractive color layers are one of the hardest gemstones to cut into a finished stone, taking highly skilled lapidary work and the creative talents of a true artist. Dedication, patience and time will be needed if you plan on producing quality fire agate cabochons, but the final rewards are truly spectacular. The fire agate stone also has a large metaphysical following with the fire agate meaning and properties of being an excellent protection stone which reflects negative energies, and healing properties for the stomach, nervous and endocrine systems.

The colors found within fire agates, created by the Schiller effect as found in mother-of-pearl and fire opal, is caused by the alternating silica and iron oxide layers which diffract and allow light to pass which forms the interference of colors known as fire. Besides the thin limonite and/or goethite iron oxide layers there is no actual objects inside the gems, the visual effects arise from light interference within the microstructure crystal layering of the gem.

Historically, Fire Agate was used in alchemy because it was believed to contain the essence of fire. In many traditions sacred to fire deities, it encouraged timid adults and shy children to speak up and not be ignored or bullied. It is a stone of integrity, encouraging high standards of behaviour in self and others, and promotes passion in love and in life

Five Clawed Dragon Lighter - Ref 016797

Dragon statue made from Russian Obsidian stone and Gold Vermeli.

Base made from Brazilian Agate stone.

Limited to 8 pieces.