Gemstone Beads, Jade, Natural, Free Form, Chip Strand, 5-8mm

As the West views diamonds, the East views jade.

Neolithic sites include simple ornaments carved of jade, which soon expanded to include knives, wood-working tools and weapons. This stone was immensely popular in the Balkans, early China, New Zealand, Southeast Asia and both coasts of the early Americas. It became the preferred material for creating objects d'art and scholars' supplies in China, with the value of certain varieties exceeding their weight in silver and gold.

Chinese culture so values jade that it appears in many of their idioms. As an American might say a lovely young woman is, "pretty as a picture," the Chinese equivalent might be to say she has a, "jade countenance." Nephrite can be found in a translucent white to pale yellow color called "mutton fat" jade, this is viewed as the most precious and prized hue. Jade is valued across Southeast Asia, including Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines and elsewhere.

Mesoamerica also valued jade, it was a rare stone used only for the highest elites. The conquistadores discovered the natives using it, and samples brought back to Europe by them were identified as nephrite in 1780. This stone is also known as British Columbia Jade, Grave Jade, New Zealand Greenstone, Spinach Jade and other names.

For a sense of the spiritual value of jade, look into the face of a great carved Buddha. In that face is deep peace, balance and strength. Nephrite jade is believed to promote those qualities in its wearers, offering physical and emotional well-being, especially during unpleasant or difficult situations.

Nephrite is a form of jade which is composed of jade and actinolite. It is slightly softer than jadeite (the other form of jade), but tougher (more resistant to breaking) than jadeite because nephrite has a denser structure. It is considered a tough stone because of its lack of cleavage and dense composition; however, it can be scratched rather easily. Nephrite can contain minor to trace amounts of other minerals, including diopside, chromite, vesuvianite, serpentine and others. It is most often green, owing to the iron content in actinolite, but is also seen in white, yellow and brown shades.

Jade is a tough stone, not an indestructible one. To clean nephrite jewelry, use plain lukewarm soapy water and a soft cloth. Be sure to rinse well to remove residues, since nephrite is porous and can absorb colors quite easily. (Avoid chemicals, ultrasonic cleaners and steamers for the same reason.)

Keep Jade away from extreme temperature fluctuations or prolonged heat and strong light. Store nephrite away from other gemstones, you'll avoid scratches and fractures of both the nephrite and other stones. It is best to always wrap your gemstones in soft cloth, fabric storage bag or place them inside a fabric-lined jewelry box.

Nephrite is especially popular throughout Asia for use in talismans and amulets. Unlike other gemstones, it is not uncommon to find entire pieces of jewelry, such as rings and bracelets, carved entirely from a single mass of nephrite. Nephrite jade jewelry is popular in New Zealand's Maori designs, especially among tourists.

Our Jade, is an opaque medium to dark green. It combines beautifully with almost every metal (silver, gold and copper finishes all look stunning with nephrite), pairs gorgeously with a range of other gemstone materials (garnet for contrast, white pearl for neutral, etc.), and looks dazzling with Czech fire-polished and crystal beads. As Jade is a tough stone, bead caps or knotting is recommended to protect surrounding materials.

**Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions. Beaded Creations® does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements.

NB* Natural gemstone or semi precious stones come from minerals. Due to their natural form, the stones may have tiny flaws. Cutting or polishing or different batches also makes every piece of gemstone vary in color and size.

• Mohs Hardness: 6 to 6-1/2
• Size: 5-8mm
• Hole: 1mm
• Strand Length: 80cm

• SOLD PER STRAND