What is Jade (Jadeite)? How to choose it as jewelry
Jade (jadeite) is a natural stone that has been treasured as a special gemstone in the East since ancient times. There are several types of stones referred to as "翡翠" (hisui) in Japanese, but the genuine jade highly valued as a gemstone primarily refers to jadeite.
Its colors are diverse, including deep green, white, pale green, lavender, and black. Its appeal lies not in a strong brilliance like diamonds, but in a lustrous glow emanating from within and an expression that exudes quiet dignity.
Jade has been cherished since ancient times as a stone symbolizing protection, prosperity, and longevity. Among them, translucent, vivid green jade is particularly rare and highly valued as high-quality jewelry worldwide. By wearing it as jewelry, one can feel the calm beauty created by nature and the mystique that has been passed down through time.
Origin of the name Hisui (Jade)
The name Hisui (翡翠), or jade, is said to be derived from the kingfisher, a bird with beautiful feathers. The kanji character "翡" is said to represent the male kingfisher, and "翠" the female, and their vivid blue-green feather color has long been associated with the colors of gemstones.
Originally in China, beautiful stones have long been prized as "gyoku" (玉), but after the 18th century, when jadeite from Myanmar was introduced to China, it began to be treated as something special due to its translucency and deep green beauty. Eventually, the stone came to be called "Hisui" (翡翠), likening its glossy color to that of a kingfisher's feathers.
The quiet luster created by nature, the deep green, and the mystique passed down from ancient times. Jade is not just beautiful; it is a gemstone deeply connected to Eastern aesthetics.
Types of Jade
There are actually two main types of gemstones called jade: jadeite and nephrite.
Both have long been familiar as "jade," but they are different stones with distinct mineral properties. Among them, what is highly valued as "genuine jade" in jewelry primarily refers to jadeite, which is hard jade.
Jadeite is characterized by its beautiful, translucent green color, and the highest quality pieces with vivid green and deep luster are called Imperial Jade. Its quiet brilliance and deep colors have fascinated people since ancient times and it has been cherished as a representative gemstone of the East.
The Appeal of Jade
The charm of jade lies in its quiet, profound beauty, which differs from gemstones that glitter intensely at first glance.
Unlike diamonds, which sharply reflect light, jade glows with a soft luster from within the stone. Each piece's color is unique—deep green, pale green, white, lavender—no two are alike. This individuality, created by nature, is what makes jade so captivating.
High-quality jadeite, in particular, combines translucency with deep color, changing its expression depending on the angle and light. Elegant yet understated, it is a gemstone that quietly enhances the wearer's dignity.
Furthermore, jade has been cherished since ancient times as a stone symbolizing longevity, prosperity, and protection. It is not merely an adornment but a special presence that accompanies the wearer and is passed down through generations.
Its serene beauty and profound history are why jade continues to captivate so many people today.
How to Choose Jade Jewelry
When choosing jade as jewelry, it's easier to decide not only based on the stone's beauty itself, but also by considering how well it suits you when worn.
Jade is not a gemstone that shines intensely like a diamond. It emits a soft luster on the skin, adding a calm elegance to your attire. That's why it's important to consider not only the color depth and rarity, but also how it complements your skin tone and overall atmosphere.
First, focus on the hue of the jade. Deep green jade has a dignified presence and looks beautiful even with simple outfits. Pale green or near-white jade gives a soft, elegant impression and is easy to incorporate into everyday wear. Lavender-toned jade exudes gentleness and glamour, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy a bit of individuality.
If choosing a ring, consider its presence on your hand. A rounded cabochon cut allows you to enjoy jade's unique lustrous expression, leaving a quiet impression on your hand. A ring adorned with a small piece of jade is easy for daily wear and creates an understated yet high-quality feel.
Pendants and necklaces are jewelry that allow you to enjoy the color of jade close to your face. Deep green looks beautiful against black, white, or beige outfits. Pale-colored jade blends naturally with brighter clothing, adding a gentle touch.
When choosing earrings or studs, balance with your face is important. Dark green gives a dignified impression, while pale green or white shades create a soft, pure impression. The atmosphere also changes with size and movement, so trying them on in person will help you choose what suits you best.
Also, each piece of jade has a unique expression. Even among greens, the impression varies greatly—deep, bright, or slightly bluish. Since the luster and depth that are difficult to convey in photos, it is recommended to see the actual piece if possible, to check how it looks in different lighting and against your skin.
What's important when choosing jade jewelry is not simply to pick an expensive piece. It's about finding something that naturally complements your style and that you'll want to wear for a long time. The joy of jade jewelry lies in choosing a piece whose quiet luster and profound colors subtly enhance your individuality.
NANIS and Jade
The quiet beauty of jade resonates deeply with the world of NANIS, an Italian jewelry brand.
The appeal of NANIS lies in the delicate hand-engraved texture of its 18K gold and the depth of color in its natural stones. Rather than a strong, assertive sparkle, it softly captures light on the skin, naturally complementing the wearer's aura. This elegant demeanor aligns with jade's gentle luster and Eastern aesthetics.
Jade is a gemstone with individual expressions, including deep green, pale green, white, and lavender. The allure of natural stones seen in NANIS jewelry also lies not in uniform beauty, but in the individuality of colors and patterns created by nature.
Among these, the combination of gold and jade is particularly striking. The tranquil green of jade, layered with NANIS's characteristic warm gold, creates an elegant piece of jewelry for adults that is both luxurious and understated.
Jade, cherished in the East since ancient times, and NANIS, born from Italian craftsmanship. Despite their different cultural backgrounds, what they share is an aesthetic sensibility that celebrates the natural beauty of things.
The quiet luster of jade and the soft gleam of NANIS's gold.
When these two meet, they create the charm of sophisticated and refined jewelry that suits both everyday wear and special occasions.
Summary
Jade is a representative gemstone of the East, possessing a quiet luster and profound coloration.
Its name derives from the beautiful plumage of the kingfisher, and it has long been associated with natural beauty and mysticism. There are two types: jadeite (hard jade) and nephrite (soft jade). Among these, jadeite, highly valued as genuine jade, holds special significance as a piece of jewelry.
Unlike gemstones that captivate with intense sparkle, jade gently and deeply draws people in. It is a gemstone that grows in appeal the more it is worn, cherished through the ages.
Looking for watches and jewelry in Shibuya, Yoyogi, or Hatsudai?
Contevanou Authorized Watch and Jewelry Dealer is an authorized retailer of watches and jewelry located in Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. Easily accessible from Hatsudai Station, Tokyo Opera City, and the Nishi-Shinjuku area, you can leisurely browse domestic and international watch brands and jewelry.
We offer a wide range of services, including watch purchase consultations, battery replacement, overhaul, band adjustment, antique watch repair consultations, and jewelry repair.
If you are looking for a watch store, watch repair, or jewelry shop around Yoyogi, Hatsudai, or Shibuya, please visit Contevanou.
Contevanou Authorized Watch and Jewelry Dealer
4-28-7 Nishisando Terrace E1, Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0053
Hours: 11:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Phone: 03-3299-8008
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