'' A price can be set for gold, but jade is priceless''

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Jade is thought to be a precious gemstone known as the ‘’stone of heaven’’ and has been treasured for thousands of years. In many different parts of the world, Stone Age workers made jade into weapons, tools, spiritual objects and decorative ornaments. Their carvings symbolised the powers/energies of heaven and earth and the mystic forces of life and death.

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Jade can refer to either of two chemically different and distinct materials: Nephrite - a silicate of calcium and magnesium or Jadeite – a silicate of sodium and aluminium, both of which are technically mineral aggregates rather than crystals. Both Nephrite and Jadeite are prized for their hardness, firmness and ability to be carved and the lustre they generate that creates an appearance of transparency.

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In Asia, the Chinese have a high regard for jade. They refer to jade as " yu ", which means "heavenly" or "imperial". It was more valuable than gold or gems in imperial China and was considered a bridge between heaven and earth. Throughout Chinese history, jade has been extremely sought after and still is today, as it is believed to symbolize good fortune and happiness. Chinese believe that "jade keeps you from evil and disasters". They normally give a jade talisman/amulet to a new born baby to bring him/her good luck. It is also a symbol of protection.

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In Meso-America, the Olmec, the Maya and the Aztecs highly prized jade. They often used jade for medical purposes or to carve jewellery, ornaments, ritual artifacts, weapons and other objects. The name "jade" originates from the Spanish "piedra de ijada ", meaning "stone for the pain in the side". It was named in this way after Spanish explorers saw natives of Central America holding pieces of jade to their sides, believing that it could cure ills. Although jade artifacts have been created and prized by many Mesoamerican people, the Motagua River valley in Guatemala was previously thought to be the sole source of jadeite in the region.

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In New Zealand, nephrite jade is known as pounamu in the Māori language (often called "greenstone" in New Zealand English), and plays an important role in Māori culture. It is considered a taonga (treasure) and therefore protected under the Treaty of Waitangi, and the exploitation of it is restricted and closely monitored. It is found only in the South Island of New Zealand. Pounamu taonga increase in mana (prestige) as they pass from one generation to another. The most prized taonga are those with known histories going back many generations. These are believed to have their own mana and were often given as gifts to seal important agreements. Pounamu taonga include tools such as toki (adzes), whao (chisels), whao whakakōka (gouges), ripi pounamu (knives), scrapers, awls, hammer stones, and drill points. Hunting tools include matau (fishing hooks) and lures, spear points, and kākā poria (leg rings for fastening captive birds); weapons such as mere (short handled clubs); and ornaments such as pendants (hei-tiki, hei matau and pekapeka), ear pendants (kuru and kapeu), and cloak pins. Nephrite jewellery of Maori design is widely popular with locals and tourists. Many of our carvings are inspired by Maori designs.

 

 

Spiritual Properties:

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Jade is a symbol of serenity and purity.  It signifies wisdom gathered in tranquility.  It increases love and nurturing.  As a protective stone, Jade keeps the wearer from harm and brings harmony.  It relieves anxiety and lightens emotions developed from fear. It does not allow any negative energy or negative influences to affect the individual wearing it. Jade also attracts good luck and friendship.  It stabilises the personality and promotes self-sufficiency.  It soothes the mind, releasing negative thoughts.  It aids emotional release, especially of irritability. It continues to emit cleansing and calming aura. It can improve the mental capacity. Jade encourages you to become who you really are.

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Jade aids the body’s filtration and elimination organs.  It is excellent for treating kidney problems and adrenal glands.  Jade removes toxins, rebinds skeletal and cellular systems, and heals stitches.  It assists fertility and childbirth.  Jade balances body fluids.