The Chinese word for jade is "Yii" meaning "one who rules;therefore, jade was worn only by the Emperor and his family. In Chinese culture, jade was believed to have special qualities that were a mixture of the spiritual and magical, and was therefore a link between the physical world and the spiritual world.
Found in mountains and also in riverbeds, jade was even believed to have once flowed from the mountains as a liquid, a liquid which would confer a long life on those who drank it.
A word about "jade", "mountain jade", and "serpentine". Most jade that you see (and ours we are sure) isn't really true jade. Although it is sold to us as "jade", most of the brightly coloured jade, such as the red and purple jade that you can see in the jade bracelets below,is actually dolomite marble, mined in Asia, and then permanently dyed. Usually this is sold to us as "mountain jade". Other "jade" is actually "serpentine" that you will usually see in beaded jade jewelry and it is "...almost always dyed, they [serpentine gemstones] may imitate jade. The more attractive and durable varieties (all of antigorite) are termed "noble" or "precious" serpentine and are used extensively as gems and in ornamental carvings. Misleading synonyms for this material include "Korean jade", "Suzhou jade", "Styrian jade", and "New jade". (from wikipedia). To read more about "serpentine" go to Serpentine. True genuine jade is quite expensive and usually difficult for us to come by. Luckily, these other natural stones do a great job imitating jade without resorting to synthetics.
"Therefore am I distinguished
Though I wear clothing made of burlap,
I carry jade within my bosom."
-LAO TZE, TAO TE CHING THE WAY
Jade Bracelets - Mixed Jade Bracelets
Liling
Two strands of various coloured jade make up this jade bracelet with a second of sterling silver chain with jade dangles. Puple, pink, turquoise, and green all make an appearance here. Especially pretty are the carved green jade flowers and the carved pink tulip . Unique sterling silver accents add interest and texture to the bracelet. Jade bracelet can be sized to fit your wrist. All sterling silver.
73.99
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SOLDMisakiSOLD
The spring green of jade, the pretty pink of delicate petals, this bracelet is spring on your wrist! The jade beads are many shapes and sizes including an oval, wavy bead, a carved pink tulip, carved large and small rounds, small faceted pink round, smooth green rounds, faceted long nuggets. Gorgeous artist's lampwork beads, including one adorned with pink flowers pull the two colours together into a feminine yet substantial jade bracelet. The decorated toggle clasp is sterling silver as are all of the metal accents. (Misaki means beautiful flower).
84.99
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"Its gentle, smooth, glossy appearance suggests charity of heart;
Its fine close texture and hardness suggests wisdom;
It is firm and yet does not wound, suggesting duty to one's neighbor;
It hangs down as though sinking, suggesting ceremony;
Struck, it gives a clear note, long drawn out,
Dying gradually away and suggesting music..." Confucius
Bamboo by the River