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T r u e N a t u r e G e m s
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About Jewellery Metals
GEMSTONES More Jade ...
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Jade Jewellery
Nephrite, Olive and Dark Green Jade
CONTACT US Items are usually posted within three days but there may be a delay if items have to be m ade up for you. If you are ordering more than three of the same item, or wish to check any items are in stock or how long delivery will take, please e-mail us before adding to cart. If item is for a special occasion, please let us know the date items need to be delivered by. For al1 enquiries please contact us at:
If purchasing by mail order (UK only), click on Order Form, print out the form, complete and post to the address given. Please note that postal rates for ordering are the same for UK and overseas.
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For enquiries phone: 0(+44)1925 357228 Minimum order - £5,UK, £10 overseas
Jade has been a royal gemstone in China for 5.000 years. In China, Jade is believed to cure heart disease and depression and it is regarded as universal talisman. Confucius himself identified 11 virtues of Jade. These he said should be models for humans. Chinese mothers advise their daughters to remain "as pure as Jade".
This stone was found in emperor's tombs and was
believed to preserve the body after death. One famous emperor's tomb
contained an entire suit made up of small pieces of Jade, and created to
assure the owner's immortality.
For thousands of years Jade was a symbol or
virtue, love and status. The Mayans, Olmecs and Toltecs treasured Jade
and used it to make masks and carvings. The Aztecs ran a tax with the
stone, which, sadly meant the recycling of many artefacts.
Jade's history in Europe is not so
distinguished, but early axes and carvings have been found by
archaeologists and after the 16th century, Jade objects of
jewellery began to come in from China and then central America. The
Portuguese, brought Jade from Canton, in China. They called it 'the
stone of the loins' because it was believed to help kidney ailments.
The word nephrite, (used for Chinese Jade) comes from the Greek word for
kidney: Nephros.
The material called Jadeite is different from
Chinese Jade. Jadeite came from Central America. The Chinese knew about
it but called it 'the kingfisher stone' and did not consider it to
be real Jade.
It became popular in the 18th and 19th
century when Burma opened up trade again.
Fine quality Jadeite is cut into semi-circular
dome shapes called cabochons. Jadeite bangles are popular in Asia and
the beads make beautiful necklaces and bracelets. This is also an
excellent material for carvings and a popular shape is the donut, which
is worn on a necklace, (and is called a pi). The sacred image of the
Buddha is another popular form and is often carved out of green Jadeite.
Jadeite Jade is adored in all its beautiful green
shades but it also comes in lavender, pink, yellow and white. Nephrite
is found in dark green, white, brown and black.
Jadeite is mined mainly in Myanmar and some can be
found in Guatamala. Nephrite is found in Australia, US, Canada and
Taiwan. Jade has long been used as a lucky charm, for warding off spirits, for safe journeys, wisdom and long life or for slowing down ageing.. This stone is said to bring peace and serenity and to aid high blood pressure, and to help heart and circulation problems, diabetes and kidney and bladder problems. Get it gift wrapped and posted with your personalised message
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