Jade
Introduction
Jade is a gemstone renown for its distinctive green colour. It has a microcrystalline structure, making jade the toughest mineral on earth, and as a result jade can only be carved, not cut like a classical gemstone. The name jade refers to two different minerals: jadeite and nephrite. Usually jadeite is thought to be the more valuable of the two varieties, but both can present as beautiful gems. Jade has been revered for thousands of years in various cultures around the world, prized for its beauty, durability, and symbolic significance. It is commonly used in jewellery, carvings, and decorative objects.
In the old Tibetan calendar, Jade is the birthstone for March. Jade is the anniversary gift for 35 years of marriage.
Jade is the toughest mineral in the world, and can only be carved, rather than cut. These Art Deco Cartier earrings are a wonderful example of intricate designs we see in jade.
Jadeite
Jadeite is a mineral composed mainly of sodium and aluminium silicate. It’s known for its vivid green coloration and its translucent appearance, although jadite can occur in other colours such as white, lavender, yellow, and blue.
Jadeite is found in various locations around the world, including Myanmar, Guatemala, Russia, and Japan. Myanmar is particularly renowned for its high-quality jadeite deposits.
Nephrite
Nephrite is a mineral composed mainly of calcium and magnesium silicate, with varying amounts of iron, aluminium, and other trace elements. Nephrite tends to have a more subdued appearance, compared to jadeite which can display a more vivd green. Nephrite jade is typically green in colour but can also occur in shades of white, grey, brown, and black.
Nephrite is found in locations around the world, including China, Russia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States.
Varieties of Jade
Wear & Care
Jade ranks between 6 and 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This places it in the range of moderate hardness. While jade is relatively tough and durable, it can still be scratched. Therefore, it's essential to handle jade jewellery and objects with care to prevent damage.
To clean jade, use a soft clean cloth and wipe it down, if more cleaning is needed use warm soapy water and a soft toothbrush. Pat dry with a soft cloth.
If in doubt, please feel free to Contact Us, and our gem experts can advise you.
This safari bracelet features gold animals on green nephrite panels.
An impressive lavender jade and diamond cocktail ring.
History
Jade has held immense cultural and spiritual significance in China for over 8,000 years. It was highly valued for its beauty, toughness, and symbolic qualities. Jade was considered the "imperial gem" and was often associated with royalty, nobility and immortality.
In ancient Mesoamerica, jade held similar significance. It was highly prized for its deep green colour and it was associated with fertility, life, and the underworld. It was often buried with the deceased as a symbol of status and protection.
In ancient Egypt, it was considered a symbol of love, fertility, and eternity. In ancient India, jade was associated with purity, wisdom, and spiritual enlightenment. Throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, jade was used for religious rituals, healing practices, and decorative purposes.
Metaphysical Beliefs
Jade is often considered a protective stone, believed to shield the wearer from negative energies, harm, and psychic attacks. It is thought to create a barrier around the aura, promoting feelings of safety and security. Jade is associated with harmony, balance, and peace. It is believed to bring a sense of tranquility and serenity to the wearer, helping to calm the mind and soothe emotional distress.
An antique, Chinese jade saddle ring.