Jade is usually only a gemstone that you see when you travel abroad to the Far East and other like destinations. Jade is extremely popular in the Far East and China, where it has been a royal gemstone for over five thousand years. All around the world jade has been used by different cultures to portray virtue, love and status. It is highly symbolic and precious and jade jewelry is a favourite on the list for many tourists.


Before jade was used to make jewelry it was used to make ornate masks and carvings. Many different civilisations used it including the early Europeans. It was the Portuguese that introduced jade jewelry to Europe from Canton in China. They called it the “stone of the loins” for it was believed to cure kidney problems.


Jade
is also known as Nephrite and this word comes from the Greek word Nephros meaning kidney. These terms are used to describe Chinese jade. Other qualities of jade came from Central America and they are called jadeite. Nowadays it is all too easy to confuse the two and presume that jadeite is real jade. This is something you must look out for when buying any kind of jade jewelry.


Jade in its true form of Nephrite is mined in Australia, the United States, Canada and Taiwan. Jade jewelry has always been considered lucky and used as a talisman to ward off evil spirits. It is also said to give the wearer a long life and slow down the ageing process. Among its many characteristics, jade also aids high blood pressure and helps the circulation process. When has a piece of jewellery had so much to offer!