Among the oldest of known gemstones, jade has been appreciated at many different levels throughout history: first as an object used in daily life, then in pagan times as an object of ritual. Later, it acquired economic status as an item of barter and wealth, and today it has become a medium of art and personal adornment.

However, the word 'jade' actually refers to two chemically different stones: jadeite, a pyroxene or a silica-bearing mineral, and nephrite, an amphibole, or a ferro-magnesium silicate. Although different, they share many common characteristics.

Nephrite jade, which the Chinese grew to appreciate so deeply, was the form of jade they first encountered in the Neolithic period. It was used for thousands of years and simply referred to as ‘jade’. Another ‘jade’ discovery occurred in the mid-late 1700’s in northern Burma. This jade was found in a greater variety of colors than in the past, and the colors were often much more vivid and translucent. Although the Chinese knew there was a difference, it was not for almost another 100 years until 1863 when French mineralogist Alexis Damour discovered the mineralogical differences between the jades.  

When jadeite jade was first introduced into China, it was called Fet'Sui or kingfisher jade because of the brilliance of colors it manifested and to distinguish it from the traditional nephrite form of jade. In time, jadeite eclipsed nephrite in terms of value, and today it is considered gem jade. Today's fine jewelry market uses jadeite jade almost exclusively; nephrite is generally valued for its antiquity, carving excellence and other historical considerations rather than its intrinsic material value. Interestingly enough, both the terms jadeite and nephrite refer to the kidneys because of early beliefs that jade was effective for diseases of the loins.

Apart from its technical aspects, however, there is a magic about the stone that inspired cultures as diverse as the Chinese, the Mayans, even the court of Czarist Russia. Its charms elude precise definition; jade reveals itself in the language of myth and legend.

The Chinese identified 'ritual colors' of jade and even spoke of colors "invisible to the eye." In fact, jadeite appears in six basic colors, with many variations. These are green, lavender, red, yellow, white and black. Green, the most important and traditional color, varies through apple green to gray-green and finally black-green.

There is a special magical item called Imperial jade. Although originally said to refer to those jades possessed by the emperor and royal family, Imperial jade today should indicate a stone whose color is a deep, translucent green, and is without visible flaws or color variations. Such stones are truly rare.

Lavender jade can be quite dark - almost deep plum-purple, and in some cases can take on a blue cast. At its other extreme, lavender jade approaches the pink range - though never achieving it - and lightens to a pale lavender-white. Often, lavender jade exhibits a sugary texture.

There are written reports of a blood-orange jade, but most red jade actually ranges from a yellow or beige to a deep russet brown.

Black jade is usually nephrite and, in its finer qualities, is glassy black. Surface flecks are common and difficult to avoid on pieces larger than dime size.

White jade, or "pure" jade, can be found in a chalky, opaque white to a translucent gray-white. A good polish is essential.

The color range for nephrite is not nearly so broad as for jadeite and is usually characterized by a certain dullness of color and waxiness of texture. Old stones (from Turkestan) are sometimes creamy (mutton-fat) white while most modern nephrite ranges from gray-black to an olive green. There is a coal black nephrite, which takes a good polish, and is currently mined in Wyoming and Australia.

It is often asked if there is a blue jade or a pink jade. There is no known blue jadeite, although a deep blue nephrite is claimed. As to pink, most jade reported as pink is, in fact, not jade.

Jade very often exhibits several colors within one piece. Although one pure uniform color is usually best, combinations such as green and lavender, red and green, or white with strong green are very desirable. The Chinese have an extensive list of phrases to identify these combinations and colors: moss-in-snow, chicken-blood, valley-leaf, old mine, spring grass and many others.

In a nutshell, the color and translucence of jade are the result of the chemical impurities present in the rough and the rate at which the jade cooled eons ago during the formation process. For example, green is the result of chromic oxide impurities; lavender comes about from the presence of manganese; red jade occurs as the end product of oxidation from surrounding water or earth; black jade denotes high iron content; white jade is "pure" jade. Of course, jade contains many other impurities that modify and shade these colors (quartz, mica, serpentine, etc.).

In the Orient, jade is considered a living thing that is young, then matures and grows green with age. It was said that some people had the ability to make jade turn green more quickly, and that this was a virtue of their mind and body and soul. Alas, interesting myths notwithstanding, this simply will not happen!

Many people even today believe that in times of good health, one's jade grows richer in color, while trauma or illness will drain the color (and absorb the travail). The wearing of jade close to the body was said to ensure health. Interesting though these thoughts may be, there is no evidence that jade will change color. Quite the contrary, jade is impervious to oils, perfumes and most cold acids. Its color is constant, for better or worse.

Whereas most gemstones today are sold and evaluated in terms of their carat weight, jade is sold by the piece. In its finer qualities, it can be among the most expensive stones in the world today. This is in keeping with how the ancients valued jade. It is said that one emperor traded a piece of jade for fifteen cities.

Because of the rarity of fine material today, those items that inherently create waste are cut very infrequently. For example, fine beads, drops or bangles can command astounding prices and are never plentiful in the marketplace.

Modern nephrite, by contrast, is of far less value. Whereas a fine jadeite cabochon can range from several thousand dollars on up, the finest nephrite cabochon rarely exceeds a few hundred dollars. There is no rarity of nephrite, and this is reflected in the price. Antique nephrite carvings have value based on the antiquity of the piece, exclusive of material value alone.

It is because of this vast price differential between jadeite and nephrite that we recommend all appraisals clearly identify the material not merely as jade, but more definitively as nephrite jade or jadeite jade.

Whereas most gemstones today are sold and evaluated in terms of their carat weight, jade is sold by the piece. In its finer qualities, it can be among the most expensive stones in the world today. This is in keeping with how the ancients valued jade. It is said that one emperor traded a piece of jade for fifteen cities.

Because of the rarity of fine material today, those items that inherently create waste are cut very infrequently. For example, fine beads, drops or bangles can command astounding prices and are never plentiful in the marketplace.

Modern nephrite, by contrast, is of far less value. Whereas a fine jadeite cabochon can range from several thousand dollars on up, the finest nephrite cabochon rarely exceeds a few hundred dollars. There is no rarity of nephrite, and this is reflected in the price. Antique nephrite carvings have value based on the antiquity of the piece, exclusive of material value alone.

It is because of this vast price differential between jadeite and nephrite that we recommend all appraisals clearly identify the material not merely as jade, but more definitively as nephrite jade or jadeite jade.

Jade is often believed to bring nourishing, balancing, and protective energy in traditional culture and modern spiritual perspectives. This "energy" operates more on psychological and energetic levels rather than physical ones.

Core Energetic Qualities

• Nourishment and Vitality: The color green symbolizes life force, often used to restore vitality, suitable for those physically weak or mentally exhausted.

• Emotional Balance: Considered to stabilize emotions, relieve anxiety and stress, bringing inner peace.

• Protection and Warding Off Negativity: In traditional culture, it is seen as a "talisman" to block negative energy and ensure safety.

• Attracting Wealth and Blessings: Its "green" color symbolizes wealth accumulation and career success in business contexts.

The core of jadeite maintenance lies in "nourishing jade with the body" (long-term wearing) and "avoiding harm" (staying away from extreme conditions). Proper care can enhance the luster and maintain the value of jadeite.

Daily Wear: Avoid the Three Major "Enemies"

• Avoid Chemical Corrosion: The surface of jadeite has micropores. Chemicals in perfumes, cosmetics, and soaps can erode its luster. It is recommended to remove it before applying makeup, bathing, or swimming, and avoid contact with strong acids or alkaline substances like dishwashing detergent.

• Avoid Physical Impact: Although hard, it is brittle. Always remove it during exercise or housework to prevent collisions that may cause internal cracks or breakage. Avoid wearing or storing it with diamonds, hard metals, or other abrasive materials.

• Avoid High Temperatures and Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to sunlight or high-temperature environments like saunas and hot springs can dehydrate the jadeite, causing it to become dry in texture and fade in color. Avoid leaving jadeite inside a parked car in the summer.

Cleaning and Storage: Gentleness is Key

• Proper Cleaning: Soak in distilled or room-temperature water for 30 minutes monthly, gently brush crevices with a soft brush, and let it air-dry. Never use an ultrasonic cleaner (risk of loosening hidden cracks) or abrasive/chemical cleaners like toothpaste or alcohol.

• Proper Storage: When not wearing it, wrap it separately in a soft cloth and place it in a jewelry box to avoid friction. You can also place a small cup of water inside the box to maintain humidity and prevent dehydration. Do not lock it in a dry safe for extended periods.

Common Misconceptions and Truths

• Reject Home Remedies: Never use toothpaste for polishing (its abrasives can scratch the surface) or apply cooking oil (it can clog pores and cause mold growth).

• Understand "Nourishing Jade" Objectively: While skin oils can enhance the luster of jadeite, they cannot alter its internal structure (clarity and transparency). The perceived "increased translucency" is often an optical effect of surface patina. Regular wear combined with periodic