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Jade

Historical Value

Jade- two stones with one face. Nephrite jade, revered in China as the “Stone of Heaven” and jadeite jade, known to the ancient Mesoamerican cultures as the “Eternal Stone”, both share the same name yet are distinctly different materials. Supported by one of the longest known histories of any gemstone, jade elicits a deep, universal connection that stretches across the globe from Asia to the Americas.

Jadeite and Nephrite

Jadeite jade is found almost exclusively in Burma and Guatemala. The world at large was introduced to Burma’s jadeite only after 1784, when it was first traded with China and totally captivated the emperor and his court, dominating the fine jade market to this day.

Nephrite jade is the historic material of China, used for ceremonial symbols, carvings, and ornaments for more than 5000 years. Today it is mined mainly in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and far western China and is predominantly used in costume jewlery, though there are a few rare, sought after varieties.

Mayan Jade

The ornamental use of jade in the Americas dates back over 3,000 years, being revered by Mesoamerican cultures as a symbol of eternity and permanence. To the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec, jade represented a passage to immortality, enabling a safe passage through the underworld into the afterlife. These cultures cherished jade for millenia, and adorned countless kings and nobles with jade ornamentation. Tragically, the Conquistadors’ view of jade craft as idolatry, along with their unquenchable lust for gold, caused the Maya jade quarries to be abandoned and forgotten for more than four centuries. In 1974, they were re-discovered by a determined pair of explorers, who located the in-situ quarry sites of the Maya ,and have since identified several never before seen types of jadeite.

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Sourcing

The Original Jade Source

Jadexchange is proud to work closely with Jades S.A., the largest jadeite source in the Americas. Jades S.A. stands alone as the largest and most experienced Guatemalan jade enterprise and holds licenses to the highest value jade areas in Guatemala, discovering and providing types of jade found nowhere else on Earth. Jades S.A. has led in the re-discovery of jade’s ancient past, and continues to actively contribute to the social and environmental progress in Guatemala.

Jades, S.A.

Jades, S.A. was formed in 1975 by Mary Lou and Jay Ridinger after they discovered the long abandoned jade sources of the Pre-Columbian civilizations of Mesoamerica. The Ridingers identified centuries old Mayan jadeite work sites with tools and small bits of pottery where outdoor carving factories had actually operated. The Ridingers conclusively proved that the Olmec and Maya mined jade in the Motagua Valley; Due to their diligent work, the Mayan jade quarries were reopened for the first time since the Spanish conquest.

Ethical Sourcing

Conducting business in a way our customers can be proud of is the core of our operations. We believe that sharing the benefits of their sales with each person involved in the supply chain is not only the right thing to do, but also brings long term stability to the business and creates a sense of pride in the production of high quality product.

All of our jade is sourced and produced according to strict environmental and labor guidelines. Our jade is gathered from forested quarry areas, and is never mined. The jade is removed from the quarry areas in small quantities and no heavy machinery or destructive equipment is used in its transport.