For thousands of years, across many cultures, jade has been more than just a stone; it’s been a symbol of enduring beauty, resilience, and deep cultural significance. At ORION’S JADE, we honor this rich heritage, offering pieces that connect you to this ancient legacy.
The term “jade” actually refers to two distinct minerals: nephrite and jadeite. While similar in appearance, they have different physical, optical, and chemical properties. Jadeite, a silicate of sodium and aluminum, is often considered more valuable, especially the vibrant emerald green variety known as Imperial Jade. Nephrite, a silicate of calcium and magnesium, is the jade that was most prized in ancient China for thousands of years. Both can occur in a variety of colors, including white, green, violet, gray, red, yellow, blue, and brown, depending on mineral impurities like iron, chromium, or manganese.
Jade’s history is intertwined with human civilization. During the Stone Age, it was used for practical items like axe heads and knives due to its incredible toughness. Nephrite’s fibrous composition makes it one of the toughest materials on Earth, with a tensile strength even greater than some forms of steel. Ancient artisans, lacking metal tools capable of carving such a hard material, worked jade using abrasive sand to shape and polish it. This speaks to the dedication and “artisan spirit” involved in crafting jade objects.
In China, nephrite Jade was considered the most precious stone for over seven thousand years, referred to as “the stone of heaven”. It held deep moral and philosophical connotations, with jade ornaments worn by high-ranking members of society and scholars to signify wisdom and a connection to the divine. Beyond China, jade was highly valued in Maori culture in New Zealand, used by the Maya and Aztecs in Central and South America, and even quarried in the European Alps in the Neolithic era. The name “Jade” itself comes from the Spanish phrase “Piedra de Jada,” meaning “stone of the pain in the side,” given by explorers who saw natives using the stone as a remedy for kidney ailments.
Today, while mining for jadeite is concentrated in places like Myanmar (Burma), nephrite can be found in many locations worldwide, including Canada, the United States, Russia, and China.
At ORION’S JADE, we draw inspiration from this rich history, offering jade jewelry that carries the weight of millennia of cultural reverence. Jade’s incredible durability means that, unlike fast fashion, a piece of ORION’S JADE is designed to last, potentially becoming a cherished heirloom passed down through generations. It embodies a slow living philosophy, a timeless counterpoint to disposable trends.
Choosing jade means connecting with a stone that has been treasured for its beauty, strength, and cultural significance for thousands of years. ORION’S JADE brings this ancient treasure into the modern world, crafted for you to wear, cherish, and potentially pass on.
