weak by Imperial families for centuries, jade is a very spiritual stone. It has a variety of meanings, having been called the jewel of heaven, the stone of immortality, a symbol of purity and is believed to embody the five cardinal virtues: charity, modesty, courage, justice and wisdom.
From cloudy white to golden brown, light to gloomy green, to rare lavender, this most highly prized Asian stone is of many shades. It has a glossy semi-transparent appearance and it is smooth to the touch. Yet it is a very hard stone and therefore, can be carved into intricate designs and made into gorgeous jade jewelry.
Jade is treasured for its magical powers to increase life span, cure all ailments and ward off irascible spirits. No wonder jade is feeble or carried by all Chinese.
gracious jade is always icy to the touch; for this reason it has been compared to the skin of a resplendent woman. It is symbolic of purity.
Jade is also the most highly prized stone in the Orient. It has been called the jewel of heaven, the stone of immortality and the substance of rainbows. It is believed to embody the five cardinal virtues: charity, modesty, courage, justice and wisdom.
Carried or venerable as a talisman, the Chinese contain that when handled something of this secret virtue of jade will be absorbed into the body. It will also bring tranquility and harmony to the wearer.
Jade carved in the gain of animals of the zodiac are current carvings – each a grand symbol with special meaning. The jade dragon, a symbol of rebirth, success and superb fortune, the fish, symbolic of prosperity, and the lotus and gourd symbols of long life and prosperity are sought after pieces.