Jade Jewelry

The earliest examples of jade work date to the prehistoric world, with craftsmen in the Stone Age relying on the precious material’s toughness to conjure rudimentary tools and weapons. Jade’s role transformed, however, from functional to decorative around the 4th millennium B.C. as Chinese artists began crafting jade into objects for ceremonial use.

The popularity of jade only grew over subsequent generations, not only for its tantalizing shades of green but also for its supposed curative properties. The belief in the mineral’s benefit in improving liver and kidney ailments, in fact, was so strong that it became the source of its name: “jade” comes from the Spanish “piedra de ijada” and the French “l’ejade,” both of which refer to the mid-flank or torso. Thus pieces like jade bracelets or rings became incredibly popular, as it was believed the proximity of the mineral to the body was crucial.

Understanding of jade grew further in the 19th century, with French mineralogist Alexis Damour differentiating between nephrite and jadeite jade, the two main types of the mineral differentiated most clearly by crystalline structure. By this point, though, jade’s status as a celebrated mineral was secured. From jade earrings to strands of jade beads, jade is a proven perennial favorite.