Jade is the stone of smooth, cool green, polished until it looks almost like glass. People have carved and worn it for thousands of years. Here is what jade actually is, what it traditionally means, and how to look after it.
What jade is
"Jade" is the name for two different minerals, jadeite and nephrite. Both are tough, which is part of why they were used for tools and carvings long before they were used for jewelry. Jadeite is a little harder, around 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, and nephrite is a little softer, around 6 to 6.5.
Green is the color most people picture, but jade also comes in white, lavender, yellow and red-brown tones. Because color is so valuable, some jade on the market is dyed or enhanced, and other green stones are sometimes sold as jade. A seller should tell you what a bead is. Our guide to real vs fake gemstone beads lists the questions to ask.
What jade traditionally means
In many traditions, especially Chinese culture, jade stands for harmony, good luck and a steady heart. It is often given as a gift for those reasons. These are traditional beliefs, and we share them as lore. They aren't medical claims, and a stone is not a substitute for professional care. For more stones, see our gemstone meanings guide and our plain guide to healing stones.
Jade pieces from Ellie
The Green Jade & Evil Eye Charm Bracelet is polished green jade beads with gold-tone stainless steel spacers and a small evil eye charm. The Carved Buddha & Rudraksha Necklace has a carved wooden Buddha pendant on rudraksha beads with red-wine jade and turquoise, and measures 30 inches. The Agate, Citrine & Turquoise Twist Necklace twists natural stones in every color, jade among them. The Obsidian & Agate Pendant Necklace and the Multi-Gemstone Chip Necklace with Onyx Pendant both include red jade.
Green Jade & Evil Eye Charm Bracelet$85 CAD
Carved Buddha & Rudraksha Necklace$98 CAD
Agate, Citrine & Turquoise Twist Necklace$185 CAD
Obsidian & Agate Pendant Necklace$250 CAD
Multi-Gemstone Chip Necklace with Onyx Pendant$299 CAD
How to care for jade
Jade is tough, but it can still chip if it is knocked against something hard. Put it on after perfume and lotion, wipe it with a soft dry cloth, and keep it away from harsh cleaners. Jade strung on cord should stay out of water, since water weakens the cord. Our care guide covers the rest.
Browse every piece
Everything is one of a kind and handmade by Ellie. See the full jewelry collection.
Related reading
- Real vs fake gemstone beads: how to tell
- Healing stones and their meanings: a plain guide
- Gemstone meanings: a gentle guide to the stones we use
Gemstone jewelry by Ellie
Every piece is one of a kind, strung and wired by hand in Canada.
Explore the jewelry →Sources used: general gemology references on jadeite, nephrite and hardness; GIA and Gem Society style jade guides; the same traditional-lore sources as our gemstone meanings guide.