Jade, The Stone of Heaven
Originally all jade objects were believed to be of the same mineral. However, in 1863, the French mineralogist Alexis Damour discovered that the material known as "jade" could be divided into two different minerals: jadeite (normally known as green jade or hard jade) and nephrite (also known as white jade or soft jade).
For centuries, jade has been a cultural touchstone of China. The history of jade in China can be traced back to as early as 5000 BC. Early Chinese jade was that of nephrite and was primarily used in tools due to its hardness. Chinese culture considers jade to be a lucky stone. To the Chinese, it is known as “The Stone of Heaven.” There is a saying that goes, “gold is valuable, but jade is priceless.”
The best quality and most valuable nephrite is Hetian Jade which is mined in the Hetian District Xinjiang province in China. It earned the reputation of “King of Jade” due to its pure white color and soft, waxy texture.
The first jadeite came to China in the late 1700s, coming from Burma (now the Union of Myanmar). This new beautiful gemstone sparked a passion in Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty. Emperor Qianlong built the most extensive known collection of jade artifacts during his reign. He did this by importing countless tons of raw mineral from Burma to fuel his obsession with the stone. His passion for jade transformed Chinese culture and launched a worldwide obsession for jade jewelry over the coming centuries.
Compared with nephrite, jadeite is harder, denser and produces a higher luster upon polishing. This beautiful stone was named "Imperial Jade". The ownership of the stone has been exclusive for the imperial family for a few centuries. Now the precious jadeite with the transparent emerald green color can cost more than high-quality diamonds.
The unique combination of nephrite (the most valuable Hetian Jade) and jadeite in the JBeauti Jade Screens tassel earrings express the mastery of handmade jade carvings. The milky white nephrite screen with a traditional hollow-carved pattern creates sense of mystery and elegance. The transparent emerald jadeite adorned in bamboo leaves add luster to this exquisite piece. The dangling tassels flow down, joyfully dancing with your body’s motion.
The JBeauti Jade Screens Tassel Earrings
by Jian Li
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