Throughout the novel, valuable jewelry is passed from mothers to daughters, symbolizing inheritance and sacrifice. Almost all the main characters grow up in impoverished families without many luxuries. Owning a single piece of jewelry speaks to the hard work it took to earn it, and to the preciousness of the material possession. In Chinese tradition, jewelry has additional significance; they’re often worn as protection charms from harm. In The Joy Luck Club however, the initial owner never keeps jewelry for herself, but gives it to her daughter. Lindo’s mother’s jade pendant is her only prized possession, but she presents it to Lindo on their last day together, hoping it brings her daughter good fortune and protection. Material sacrifice, no matter how great, doesn’t matter if it protects her daughter. Lindo continues the legacy by giving the same pendant to her daughter Waverly before Waverly’s first chess competition. Similar gifts are given to June by Suyuan, and to An-mei by An-mei’s mother. More than just an inherited object, the jewelry represents a mother’s constant love and a daughter’s priceless value.