Jade also known as Feicui or Bi in Chinese can come in two different varieties. The first variety known as soft jade or nephrite is original to China. The second variety known as hard jade or jadeite was imported from Burma into China. Even though the traditional jade of china is nephrite, feicui or jadeite is much more popular and valuable. The importation of jadeite began during the Quing dynasty (1271-1368).

The earliest indication of jade objects in China can be traced back to the early Neolithic period which was around 5000 BC. Today the Chinese love jade not only for its beauty but also for its culture and meaning. Confucius (551 BC - 479 BC) says the following about jade, “In ancient times, men found the likenesses of all excellent qualities in jade. Soft, smooth, and glossy, it appeared to them like benevolence. Fine, compact and strong, like intelligence; angular, but not shard and cutting, like righteousness.”

The Chinese have a saying about jade, “Gold has a value; jade is invaluable." They believe that jade stands for beauty, grace and purity. The Chinese also considered Jade to be "the essence of Heaven and Earth." Jade is an essence produced through the natural forces of rivers and mountains over eons. In Chinese culture jade symbolizes beauty, nobility, perfection, constancy, power, and immortality.

A selection of Jade rings, Jade earrings and red jade jewelry can be found at Nita Creations.

An interesting article on how to buy jade can be found on the genuine gems for pearl girls blog.

Labels: Feicui, Jade, Jade Chinese History, Jade Earrings, Jade Jewelry, Jade Pendants, Jade Ring, Jadeite, Nephrite