Jade

As a result of some 40 years of controlled archaeological research in China it is now known that the ancient Chinese have been working with tough green materials, which they call yu, for over 7000 years. These green materials include the minerals which we now know as jade.

The name jade does not signify one mineral but may refer to either of two mineral species:  Jadeite and Nephrite, which have no relation to one another except that of appearance.

Jadeite occurs in white, shades of mauve, violet, red, orange, yellow, brown, pale to deep emerald green, typically mottled green and white, deep green to black – blue. The most highly prized variety is the translucent to almost transparent emerald green variety known as ‘Imperial Jade’.

It can be found in Myanmar, Japan, California, USA, Guatemala and Russia.
Jadeite is fashioned into cabochons, beads, carvings and small carved pieces for jewellery.

The Nephrite variety of jade, owing to its toughness, has been used for tools and weapons and for ritual ornaments.

• Jade jewellery is often given to mark the 12th Wedding Anniversary

View Jade Jewellery at Astley Clarke