Carved Jade: The Stone of Heaven

A precious gemstone that was depicted as a “Stone of heaven,” a term used by the Chinese to describe the most precious form of jewelry that they could ever lay their eyes on—Jade. Carved Jade is basically a gemstone that has a unique symbolic energy with an inimitable myth that surrounds it. Having this form of exquisiteness and wide-ranging expressiveness, carved Jade has held an extraordinary attraction in jewelry such as pendants and necklaces over thousands of years in the eyes of mankind. With no doubt the Chinese have a high regard for Jade and to be able understand why, one should gain insight into the culture and history of the most valued gemstone in China.

For more than six millennia Carved Jade has been playing a major role in the integration of culture, politics, economics, philosophy, and religion of Chinese society.  Jade is considered the sacred gemstone of China, and the use of carved jade spans all ranks and classes. Interestingly carved jade was not only used as jewelry that accessorized the body, such as in a form of a necklace that has a lavish commercial value, but rather it holds a spiritual energy that captivates the soul. According to the ancient Chinese, carved jade embodied qualities of nobility, fidelity, precision and decadence; it is a piece of jewelry which has a symbolic link between man and spiritual world. 

This valuable gemstone—Jade—often has fine nuances of green with a luster that also can be found in the color of white, black, yellow, green, orange and the rarest one is a delicate violet tone. During the prehistoric times, carved jade was an ideal material in weapons and tools due to its rigidness and toughness.

Extensive deposits of Jade can be found found in China, New Zealand, Russia, Guatemala and the Swiss Alps. There is another form of jade jewelry that is a dark green jade gemstone, also called Canada Jade, which can be found in the western part of Canada. The most sought after jade gemstones come from Burma, now known as Myanmar, which is the best jade gemstone for making jewelry including  necklaces, pendants, and earrings.

Today, carved jade isn’t about the traditional character of the gemstone but now it has a symbolic energy and beauty in the jewelry it formed into. Mixing the harmony of jade in conventional and modern jewelry can kindle creativity and mental agility.  When carved jade is worn as jewelry such as a necklace, it has a balance and harmonic effect to one’s well being which brings joy, vivacity and happiness at the same time.