Jade

Jade with rich emerald-green color hue is often called ‘Imperial jade’. This gem though exists and various other colors like yellow, black, purple, red, orange, white etc.

The name jade is derived from the Spanish ‘piedra de hijada’, meaning literally ‘stone of the flank’ , and the same can be said about the word ‘nephrite’.

“Many of the Indians wore pieces of Greenstone round their necks which were transparent and resembled an emerald. These being examined, appeared to be a species of nephrite stone.”, wrote in 1790 captain James Cook, British Empire explorer and navigator.

This birthstone has been known to humans for thousands of years. It had the meaning of ‘king’ in China and was a symbol of high rank and authority. This gem was widely used in amulets. For example, a popular one was called “Two Brothers of Heavenly Love,” and was presented to friends. The newly-weds were often given the figure of a man riding on a unicorn and holding castanets in his hand, and that meant that the heir would be born in due time. This birthstone was often used as child’s amulets to protect the baby from danger and infant diseases.

It was believed if a person would hold jade in their hands then the secret virtue of the gemstone was absorbed into the body. Jade is considered to be a symbol of love, and Chinese poets would often strike this gem because the sound would resemble the voice of a loved one to them. Jade was a musical gemstone used in ceremonies, with 12 to 24 pieces of this rock carved with different thickness in order to produce a different chime.

An old Chinese legend tells a story about a young man who was chasing a beautiful butterfly and accidentally ended up in a rich man’s garden where he came across a beautiful lady – owner’s daughter. Instead of being punished, the young man fell in love with the girl and they got married. This legend led to jade being accepted as a symbol of successful love and marriage and loved ones would often gift a butterfly carved out of jade to their fiancée.

Maori people of New Zealand called jade ‘punapu’ meaning ‘green stone’. This birthstone was so rare and highly regarded by Maoris that they would hire a wizard to aid them finding it. The wizard would fall into a trance and direct the jade seekers to the spot where the gem could be found. Discovered jade was given the name of the person whose spirit aided in revealing its location.

Maori people would often carve jade into ornaments meaning connection with ancestors. The ornament would get passed from generation to generation and inherited by lucky descendants. It was a privilege to possess such ornament.

In the Middle East jade was used as a talisman against injuries. It was believed that jade has mystical powers to help at childbirth. This belief relates to Babylonian goddess Ishtar who possessed a jade girdle which she took off when entering the 5th gate of the underworld.

Early 20th century occultists used jade as a bringer of prosperity, happiness, and luck. It was a very popular stone among punters, horse racing enthusiasts as it was believed to bring luck in races.

Some astrologists believe that jade should be worn by people wanting to change their life or start something new.

In southern Europe jade, brought back by Spanish sailors, was used to cure kidney and eye diseases. The gem was often carved into the shape of a cross. An old Chinese encyclopedia that dates back to the Ming dynasty of the 1500s claims that jade had strong medicinal powers to strengthen the health of the lungs, the heart, and the vocal organs, and prolonged life.

‘Gold has price, but jade is priceless’ says ancient Chinese wisdom. The gem is considered noble and is often worn by significant persons and celebrities. For example, Angelina Jolie was seen multiple times wearing jade jewelry on the red carpet. Sofia Vergara and Reese Witherspoon followed the example.