Chinese Jade Jewelry

For at least four thousand years, jade has had an important place in China’s history. Jade consists of two types of stone: nephrite and jadeite. Traditionally, these jade gemstones are believed to have healing and protective powers.

12Nephrite, which is a little softer than Jadeite, is whitish in color and varies in shades of green. A stronger green color means a greater presence of iron within Nephrite. Jadeite, hard like quartz, ranges in colors including white, green, purple, blue, and pink.

Chinese Jade jewelry, which can come in a form of a bracelet, a jade pendant necklace, decorative earrings, or even a simple charm attached to a string, is believed to symbolize clarity of mind and purity of spirit, and to protect its owner from harm. Chinese Jade jewelry is worn to ward off evil, to bring good luck, and to declare status and nobility.

Quick Facts

• Jade in ancient times came from deposits in the Yangtze River Delta. Jade from this region now no longer exists
• Jade pendant necklaces are often seen in the form of a round disk with an open interior. This disk shape is called “bi” and symbolizes heaven or eternity
• The Chinese revere jade above all other precious stones and metals, even gold. According to the Chinese saying, “Gold has value; jade is invaluable"
• Many jewelry boxes were made from jade because of its significance and symbolism. <a href=”https://www.invaluable.com/jewelry-boxes/sc-EC75IL0D75/”>Antique Jewelry boxes</a> are available for sale on Invaluable.