Jade is steeped in the art and culture of the Chinese empire; for as early as 3000 B.C., jade (also known as ‘yu’) was considered the ‘royal gem.’ There are many myths surrounding this gemstone that is regarded as a symbol of wisdom, compassion, courage and justice.

Known for its toughness, jade is found in fine nuances of green, besides a varied palette comprising black, grey, orange, yellow, white and delicate hues of violet. Emerald green, spinach green and apple green are favorite shades of jade both in the US and Europe, while the Far East values jades in pure white, fine yellow with delicate pink undertones. Lavender jade and imperial jade are probably the most valued colors of this gemstone. The lustrous hue of jade, jadeite beads and carved jades crafted into jewels are very popular.

Black jades are rarely used in jewelry, but when used, they add a hint of allure as seen in the eye-catching Cartier Paris Nouvelle Vague ring made in pink gold, black jade and brilliant-cut diamonds and the lovely De Grisogono’s Tubetto earrings in white gold, white diamonds and black jade.

Bulgari’s Diva necklace has a pretty variation in jade and is quite a joyful piece.

However, if you are keen to own unique pieces, check out Sotheby’s Hong Kong auctions, which spring up rare finds and often, jewels with provenance.

Want jade stunners? Artist jeweler Wallace Chan is your go-to person. Having earned international acclaim for his standout creations, Chan uses jade in contemporary designs and has perfected his jade cutting and faceting techniques. He was commissioned to make a jadeite wristwatch in 2003, which was the only such watch in the world. It was later bought by a private collector for USD $ 1,000,000.

If you lean towards jaw-dropping jade jewelry, leading fine jadeite jewelry brand Zhaoyi, Haute Joaillerie designers Wendy Yue and Anna Hu are the right ones for you. They are some of the best names in the industry, crafting remarkable pieces. Then there is Michelle Ong, who has been engaged in the art of high jewelry design for over two decades, creating precious pieces for Carnet. At this year’s Masterpiece Fair in London, she made quite a splash with her bib necklace in carved, icy pale jades and gemstones: worth stepping into her boutique!

Geneva-based jewelry brand Avakian, London jeweler David Marshal, Geneva-based Suzanne Syz – known for her ‘art jewels,’ Brazilian designer Carla Amorim, emerging designers Fei Liu and Tessa Packard (both of who are UK-based) make pretty pieces that are worth a buy.

A selection of jade jewels is made available in the Photo Gallery below.

Smitha Sadanandan