At Gem & Jade Co., we are proud to offer exquisite jewelry crafted from natural jadeite and nephrite jadestone. We guarantee the authenticity of our jade, which is ethically sourced and mindfully made from East Asia and the Asia-Pacific region, including Myanmar and Guatemala. Our jade comes from regions steeped in rich cultural history, where it was revered in ancient Asian culture and used in sacred ceremonies to forge connections with the divine.

In modern times, jade jewelry has become a symbol of hope and protection. It is often associated with nobility and wealth and is considered a guardian for generations, both living and deceased. Our collection reflects these deep-rooted traditions and the enduring significance of jade.

JADEITE

Jadeite is the primary mineral in the most sought-after variety of jade. It comes in a range of colors, including green, lavender, red, yellow, and black. The finest jadeite, known as “Imperial jade,” is nearly transparent with a vibrant emerald-green hue. Historically, the Chinese royal court maintained a standing order for this rare gem, making it one of the world’s most expensive stones.

Jadeite belongs to the pyroxene group and is primarily composed of jadeite, but it often includes other minerals like kosmochlor, omphacite, albite, and analcime, classifying it as a rock. Carved into a variety of ornamental and decorative objects, jadeite has been highly prized in Asian culture for centuries. While it was once worn exclusively by nobility in ancient China, today it is valued for its ability to ward off bad luck and promote good health and fortune.

NEPHRITE

Nephrite jade is prized for its unique qualities and comes in a variety of colors, including green, white, yellow, and brown, with a solid, matte texture. Composed of jade and actinolite, nephrite is slightly softer but tougher than jadeite due to its denser structure, making it durable and resistant to breaking. It is commonly cut into large pendants, smooth beads, or cabochons, and used for ornamental figures and carvings. Popular throughout Asia, nephrite was historically worn exclusively by royalty and nobility. In New Zealand, it features prominently in Maori designs.

Nephrite belongs to the tremolite-actinolite mineral series. Stones closer to tremolite have higher magnesium content and lighter colors. Nephrites with higher iron content, closer to actinolite, display darker colors such as green. Variations in these elements, along with traces of other minerals and inclusions, can produce yellowish, gray, and brown hues. Skilled gem carvers can also use a brownish surface on green stones to create a cameo-like effect.