Joe Louis shops for jade

 

A silver bracelet from Mexico City.
A pair of Murano glass earrings from Venice.
A pearl necklace from Toba, Japan.

Jewerly is more than just pretty trinkets. It is a distinct part of world culture. A diamond ring symbolizes an eternal bond in the West, while Indians prefer gold as the metal of choice at weddings. Shiny bling dazzles in a fancy urban party but a seashell necklace feels more appropriate for a seaside festival. Before global markets made all types of precious metals accessible around the world, different groups placed different values on jewelry. In Asia, jade, the “stone of the heavens” has been treasured for centuries.

Jade is a hard, durable material. It doesn’t shine like metals, but it its colors do stand out. Ancient brooches and statuettes have intricately carved details that required great expertise to sculpt. Nowadays jade is available in the many markets prevalent in Asian countries. But as with any precious jewelry, exercise caution to avoid scammers.

 

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See what other blogs are saying about shopping for jade:

“I never thought I was much of a souvenir-collector on my travels—and then while completing my ABCs of travel, I noticed my jewelry case. About half of my pieces were foraged from my mom’s 1970s jewelry box, and the rest were bought abroad—in markets, boutiques and those hallowed halls of Galleries Lafayette.”
–C’est Chrtistine

“Always buy from a licensed dealer who’ll provide a certificate of authenticity. (The Jade Market, in her opinion, is best suited for trinket shopping rather than high end purchases).”
–Lonely Planet

“She picked up one of the rocks and put it in her pocket. Six months later, she left the mine owner’s employ, and when she returned home, she found the rock. A neighbor who had worked in the mines suggested that she get it looked at.
‘It turns out it was imperial jade,’ Aul said. ‘And the girl is now a millionaire.'”
–NY Post