Antique silver and enamel finger nail guards, worn by wealthy ladies to protect their long finger nails and show that they did not need to work with their hands, made all of repouse silver and enamel and decorated with a flowers and a raised frog, late 19th century. Size: 2″ long total weight 4.8grams no marks but tested as 900 silver Chinese sterling silver and enamel finger nail guards (Hu Zhi) were historical status symbols worn by imperial noblewomen during the Qing dynasty (1644–1911). They were used to protect long, unbroken fingernails—which signified that the wearer was wealthy enough to avoid manual labor—and were adorned with spiritual and cultural symbols. The Frog Symbolism: In Chinese folklore and art, the frog is a highly auspicious creature. Because the Chinese word for frog ("wā") sounds similar to the word for "baby," frogs symbolize fertility, many descendants, and family continuity. Frogs are also associated with prosperity, good fortune, and wealth. For government officials and nobility, frogs represented charisma, rallying leadership, and protection