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Jade has been a royal gemstone in China for 5.000 years. The Chinese character for Jade is like a capital I with a line across the middle, the top representing the heavens, the bottom, earth and the centre, mankind.
The
Chinese use the word ‘yu’ to describe it; a word also used to call
something precious in the same way that we use the word gold.
This
stone was found in emperor’s tombs and was believed to preserve the body
after death. One famous emperor’s tomb contained an entire suit made up
of small pieces of Jade, and created to assure the owner’s immortality.
For
thousands of years Jade was a symbol or virtue, love and status. The
Mayans, Olmecs and Toltecs treasured Jade and used it to make masks and
carvings. The Aztecs ran a tax with the stone, which, sadly meant the
recycling of many artefacts.
Jade’s
history in Europe is not so distinguished, but early axes and carvings
have been found by archaeologists and after the 16th century,
jade objects of jewellery began to come in from China and then central
America. The Portuguese, brought jade from Canton, in China. They called
it ‘the stone of the loins’ because it was believed to help kidney
ailments. The word nephrite, (used for Chinese jade) comes from the Greek
word for kidney: Nephros.
The
material called jadeite is different from Chinese jade. Jadeite came from
Central America. The Chinese knew about it but called it ‘the kingfisher
stone’ and did not consider it to be real jade.
It became popular in the 18th and 19th
century when Burma opened up trade again.
Today
many people consider jadeite to be the real jade rather than nephrite and
it can command high prices due to its more vivid colours and finer
translucency. Jadeite comes from Myanmar (formerly Burma) and every year
they hold a gem, pearl and jade emporium to sell to jade dealers from all
over the world. Jadeite
dealers take the risk of buying boulders intact, with only a tiny window
revealing the interior and not knowing what exactly is inside. It may be
green jadeite or mixtures of other materials and they can only go by
instinct as they pay out hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Fine
quality jadeite is cut into semi-circular dome shapes called cabochons.
Jadeite bangles are popular in Asia and the beads make beautiful necklaces
and bracelets. This is also an excellent material for carvings and a
popular shape is the donut, which is worn on a necklace, (and is called a
pi). The sacred image of the buddha is another popular form and is often
carved out of green jadeite.
Jadeite
jade is adored in all its beautiful green shades but it also comes in
lavender, pink, yellow and white. Nephrite is found in dark green, white,
brown and black.
Jadeite
is mined mainly in Myanmar and some can be found in Guatamala. Nephrite is
found in Australia, US, Canada and Taiwan. Jade has long been used as a lucky charm, for warding off spirits, for safe journeys, wisdom and long life or for slowing down ageing. This stone is said to bring peace and serenity and to aid high blood pressure, and to help heart and circulation problems, diabetes and kidney and bladder problems.
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JADE
Jade luxury carved necklace with amethyst, jade and carnelian beads and ram beads - £35 (ask for animal carvings available)
Chinese jade and rose quartz necklace with animal carving pendant which varies in shape (necklace includes tigers eye and aventurine beads) - £19.99 (presented in long gift box). Designs include lovebirds, dragons and sea creatures.
Light jade ring - £5.95 - (please ask for sizes available)
New Jade 20mm donut on hand crafted Indonesian bail with chain, (sterling silver) - £16.99
Light Jade teardrop on cord - £5.99
Chinese Jade long chip necklace - £15
Jade Buddha with sterling silver chain - £9.99
Large sterling silver nephrite jade pendant with 18" chain - £17.99
Nephrite Jade knot of eternity twist pendant (love knot 1) provided with length of black cord - £10.99
Nephrite Jade knot of eternity pendant (approx 2" long) provided with length of black cord - £12.99. Choose from Nephrite or light jade. (small Nephrite 1" knot £9.99) .
Nephrite Jade round silver stud earrings - £9.99
Nephrite Jade 20mm donut with handmade Indonesian bail and chain (sterling silver) - £16.99
Nephrite claw on cord - £12
Nephrite ring - £5.95 (enquire for sizes)
Nephrite jade power bracelet - £7.99
Jade large hearts, supplied with long length of black cord - £12 (choose from Bowenite (light) or Nephrite (dark)
New Jade large smoothstone on cord - £12
Darker Jade large smoothstone on cord - £12
Jade horn on black cord - £10
Dark Jade drop on black cord - £4.99
New Jade (Bowenite) power bracelet - £7.99
New jade 4mm bead bracelet - £3.99
New Jade Nugget bracelet - £8.50
New jade sun on cord - £4.99
Jade Fish necklace (with black cord to cut to required length) - £7
New Jade star choker with black cord - £4.99
Purple Jade puff heart on sterling silver 16" chain - £9.99 FREE GIFT BOX Your order includes gift box and a card all about your chosen gemstone. ORDERING To order online by PayPal, e-mail:
listing the items required, to receive your PayPal form by e-mail, then when received, click on the button provided to complete your order (it's quick and easy). Don't forget to provide your full postal address with your order. If purchasing by mail order (cheque), click on Order Form, print out the form, complete and post to the address given.
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