Every civilization has certain values that differentiate it from others, they highlight their traditions and philosophies. The use of precious stones and metals also represent their own culture, as is the case of Chinese jewelry.
This art reaches a religious level; it is easy to notice it in its Buddhist symbols, scrolls, winged birds, flowers, dragons and even a phoenix present in most of the jewels and precious stones.
China jewelry in its age was aimed at both women and men, as represented their wealth and social status. The most popular at the time were necklaces, headdresses, breastplates, coins, bracelets, rings and crowns.
It is in this culture where stone known as Jade is the most valued, more than any other gemstone. In this stone are attributed to symbolize the nobility, prosperity, perfection, immortality and powers of luck.
For its subtle characteristics and translucent colors, Chinese philosophy uses it as a metaphor of love, the aforementioned immortality and harmony. It is valued for its qualities, hardness, strength and beauty.
The use of this stone starts from the Neolithic period, ie over 5000 years ago and is used in making ornaments and jewelry. This stone has intrinsic values of Chinese culture, jade objects as they are renowned for being good-luck charms.
Since prehistoric times were exploited large deposits of jade in China, which at the time was for the exclusive use and access to the nobles. Today these reserves are almost exhausted, so it is currently extracted from Xinjiang Autonomous Region to the northwest.
The jade comes as jadeite or nephrite; the jadeite is called the real jade, more valued than nephrite. In turn, you may find it in different colors like white, green, black, among others.
A tradition that has been adopted in China is to give a gem jade, this represents an expression of great love for the person who receives it.
Among the symbols that stand out in this goldsmith is the representation of animals such as the dragon and the tortoise, or flowers as the lotus. As mythical animal, the dragon has meanings of benevolence, intelligence and good will.
Meanwhile, the turtle is considered to Chinese culture, as a divine animal, means that forms from its longevity. Similarly, the lotus, but has its origin in India, is taken as a symbol of Buddhism, the predominant religion in this oriental country.
Current and jade bracelets are popular in China jewelry. Although his qualities as its smooth surface, transparency and color, make it a stone capable of being transformed in countless ways.
The stone has a natural beauty that makes it stand out from the Chinese jewelry, in addition to the symbolism granted and the artistic value of each of the jewelers, make a wonderful piece able to represent the Chinese people in each of their presentations.
The chinese are very good working with jade it seems, I’m interested in reading more about their culture and their jewels…