Jade jewelry has been long revered by the Chinese. The gem is an important part of the Chinese wedding ceremony. According to Chinese, the stone is considered the concentrated essence of love. Jade is also a symbol of high rank and authority in China. Jade is a translucent to opaque gem, often found in jewelry and carvings.

There are two types of jade: jadeite and nephrite. The two gems are distinctly different from each other by weight, hardness, and color range. However, both varieties are called jade. The jadeite is the most expensive and the more desirable variety. Fine jadeite comes from Burma. Some jadeite comes from Guatemala.

Even though most people associate the color green with jade, but the gem occurs in a wide range of natural colors, including pink, brown, yellow, orange, mauve, mottled green with white, whitish gray and lilac. The most desirable color of jade is a rich emerald green, sometimes referred to as imperial jade. Evenly colored jadeite gems are highly prized and are sought after by those who can afford them.

Jade jewelry consisting of a smooth, rich emerald green gem is very expensive. Jewelry in this category can cost thousands of dollars or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Only the rich and the famous and connoisseurs of fine jade can afford to spend that much money for such jewelry. Mottled pieces of irregular shades of green jade are less valuable. The mottled variety is often seen carved. The mottled variety is rare and more valuable than nephrite jade.

Nephrite is the true Chinese jade. Nephrite is much more common, and therefore much less expensive than jadeite. Nevertheless, nephrite is popular and is used extensively in jade jewelry and carvings. Nephrite is a more sober green than the emerald green of fine jadeite.

Nephrite is closer to the color of sage or spinach. Nephrite is usually fashioned in cabochon cut, or round beads, or carvings. It is regularly seen in darker shades. Nephrite is an affordable type of jade jewelry, especially if you cannot afford fine jadeite.

Many online jewelry boutiques offer jade jewelry of the nephrite variety, imported directly from China. Online jewelry boutiques usually feature a variety of jade necklaces, bracelets and earrings that you can choose from at affordable prices. An affordable piece of the jewelry makes for the perfect gift for any special occasion such as Birthdays or Mother’s Day. Thus, you should not hesitate to browse the jewelry to find something that you like.