A type of
stone not particularly valued in Western society, but is held in very high regard in
China. Perfect
jade fetches prices many times higher than
gold or
platinum will ever bring.
Jade appealed because it represented
ideals that humans should have,
durability and
beauty.
Jade has been carved into
art since the
Shang Dynasty. One
emperor was buried in a priceless
jade coffin.
Cheap jade is seen everywhere, it is espescially popular on necklaces worn by Chinese guys and girls, that type jade is almost dirt cheap. It is easily recognized by its pale light green color, blotchy texture, uneven coloring and poor polishing. Light reflects poorly off it. Good jade is dark green, or better yet, other colors such as white or light brown. Superior jade looks as if it has been coated with oil, and has good uniform coloring. Very smooth to the touch.
Chinese jade pieces have always been highly prized, some even making it to Rome on the Silk Road. The early trinklets and figurines were crude, carving techniques back then were not well developed. The oldest pieces I saw in Shanghai Museum barely have any shape to them (but they're still worth millions in the auction afterwards). Jade carving really hit a high tempo in the Qing Dynasty, with the support of several emperors, the Forbidden Palace is full of them. Burma was the source of some fine jade.
Jade is also supposed to bring luck. Then again, so are thousands of other jewelry stones. I like jade for its hypnotizing dark green color.