A charming necklace, made of 925 Sterling Silver features 42.10cts of natural Lavender Jade from
China. The picture does not appear nearly as pretty as this necklace is in person. The gemstones are a beautiful, soft shade of purple.
Precious metal: 925 Sterling Silver
Average Weight: 10.27g
Number of Gemstones: 6
Shape: Oval and Pear
Total Carat Weight: 42.10cts
Birthstone Month:
Jade is associated with the birthstone month of March.
History & Lore:
Jade is derived from the Spanish word 'piedra de ijada', meaning “loin stone”. Native American Indians discovered Jade could
be used as a remedy for kidney ailments, hence the name loin stone. It was also associated with the name 'lapis nephriticus', which would later form the name Nephrite. Nephrite is also thought to be derived from the Greek word 'nephros', meaning “kidney”.
Jade has been treasured for over 5000 years in China. It is a royal gemstone, known as 'yu', or 'zhen yu', meaning “genuine Jade”. Jade is as significant in China as Gold and Diamonds have been in the west. Jade was not only used for the fine objects and cult figures, but was also often in the tombs of important members of the Imperial family. One tomb contained an entire suit made of Jade, assuring the occupant physical immortality. Additionally, Jade was associated with the five cardinal virtues: compassion, modesty, courage, justice, and wisdom.
In Central America, the Mayans, Aztecs, and Olmec's treasured and honored Jade higher than Gold, often creating symbolic carvings and masks.
Neolithic Europeans used Jade extensively for tools and weapons, most likely because
of its toughness that makes it ideal for such purposes.
Jade is believed to stimulate creativity and mental agility whilst also encouraging practicality, wisdom, love, and tolerance. It is also believed to have a balancing and harmonizing effect, banishing negative thoughts and rejuvenating the wearer during times of stress. Additionally, it is also believed to increase body strength and longevity.
Physically, Jade has long been associated with the kidneys and is still a remedy among healers of Nephritic Colic. Jade is also believed to help protect and aid the heart, larynx, liver, spleen, thymus, immune system, and nervous system.
Pure Jade is actually white, with impurities responsible for the green, red, yellow, pink, violet, orange, black, and brown colors. Nephrite is mainly found with a mid to dark green color but can also be found in hues of white, yellow, or red. Jadeite, the rarer and more valuable variety of Jade, is usually more vivid in color and has much finer translucency than Nephrite.