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.