JADE, A PRICELESS STONE

According to an old and well-known Chinese proverb: “Gold is valuable, jade is priceless”; that is, the value of this stone is invaluable. The veneration of the jade is not new, it is known that the Mayans and the old cultures of China would have appreciated not only for its beauty but for its symbolic value.

Known as “gift from heaven”, the stone was valued more than diamonds and gold. These civilizations of Central America and Asia, including those in the Pacific South (Australia, New Zealand), will discriminate between minerals, giving more importance to jade.

Its importance made him a sought after object in the Asian market. In 1908, jadeite already was the most expensive type of jade and the most sold in the famous bazaar of antiquities in Beijing, Liu Li Chang; and, in present day, is still trading at high prices.

While Asians continue to show greater interest in the extravagant diamonds and gold jewelry, jade pieces are not left behind as the most persecuted by their purchasers.

So far we have been able to identify two types of jade: nephrite and jadeite. Nephrite is often called Chinese jade, because with this carved pieces are made with diverse reasons: Buddhas, dragons and snakes. Jadeite, the most scarce and therefore difficult to find, is much more expensive; and considered the most precious. The most valuable jade class is known as the imperial.

The intensity of the color and transparency are factors to consider when judging the quality of the stone. Of course, never becomes completely transparent, but the closer it is to a certain level of transparency more value it has.

A necklace of 27 highest quality jade beads was sold in Hong Kong in the amount of $ 9.3 million in 1998; today, its price would exceed all expectations.

This gem, when it is already worked in addition to decorate the beauty of any woman, is also a symbol of wealth, balance and power. Its value is priceless and representative, but wearing it’s more meaningful.

Jade has been placed today as a jewel of great worth, its beauty immediately catch admiration; the qualities and properties of jade will never pass; and its history will continue immersed in the heart of humanity.