What is Jade?

Jade is a gemstone that can be made up of two different minerals: jadeite and nephrite.

Durability: Both jadeite and nephrite are individual metamorphic rocks made up of tiny, tightly interlocking mineral crystals. This makes jadeite and nephrite exceptionally tough and resistant to chipping and breaking. 

Jadeite is the rarer of the two jades since its interlocked crystalline structure and chemistry produces a tougher structure, resulting in superior durability.

Fun fact: It is common in the Chinese culture to pass your jade jewellery down through generations!

Colours: Jadeite is found in a range of colors. This includes different shade of whites, pale-green, pink, lavender, aqua/blue, black and more. Of course, the highest-valued colour is the almost translucent emerald-green known as "Imperial Green".

Jadeite jade is most often used in jewellery and fits the criteria for fine gemstones because of its beauty, durability and rarity.

A combination of great toughness and subtle beauty makes Jade ideally suited to carve or fashion into beads and cabochons.

History of Jade

Jade has a rich history dating back thousands of years. It has been used for a variety of purposes, from tools and weapons to decorative objects and jewellery.

In ancient China, jade was considered the "Imperial Gem" and was used to make ceremonial objects, including the Emperor's seal. Jade is also steeped in symbolism. It is often associated with prosperity, strength, longevity, healing, protection and purity.

In Chinese culture, jade is believed to have protective powers and is often given as a gift to wish someone good luck and prosperity.

What are the different grades of jadeite?

Here is what you need to know about the different grades of jadeite:

Grade A Jadeite – Natural Form Grade A jadeite is the most valuable and sought-after grade of jadeite. It is in its natural form and has not undergone any chemical treatment. This is the ONLY type of jade we use at Jayde Jewellery.

Grade A jadeite can be coated with colorless wax during the polishing process to enhance its appearance, without damaging the crystal structure of the stone. 

Grade B Jadeite – Chemically Treated and Resin Infused Grade B jadeite is chemically treated to remove impurities and is infused with polymer resin in a vacuum chamber. This process can produce a smooth and lustrous appearance but can cause the jadeite to deteriorate over time, particularly when exposed to heat and sunlight. Type B jadeite is less valuable than Grade A.

Grade C Jadeite – Dyed Coloring Grade C jadeite has undergone the same treatments as Type B but with the addition of dyed coloring to the polymer resin. This enhances the color of the stone but reduces its value as it is less natural-looking.

At Jayde Jwellery, we ONLY use Grade A Jadeite so you can be sure you're wearing the finest quality of jade :)