Jade Designs

(Infused Jade)

Jade is an ornamental stone. The term jade is applied to two different rocks that are made up of different silicate minerals. Nephrite jade consists of the calcium- and magnesium-rich amphibole mineral actinolite (aggregates of which also make up one form of asbestos). The rock called jadeitite consists almost entirely of jadeite, a sodium- and aluminium-rich pyroxene. The trade name Jadite is sometimes applied to translucent/opaque green glass.

The English word 'jade' is derived from the Spanish term piedra de ijada (first recorded in 1565) or 'loin stone', from its reputed efficacy in curing ailments of the loins and kidneys. 'Nephrite' is derived from lapis nephriticus, the Latin version of the Spanish piedra de ijada.

Nephrite and jadeite were used by people from the prehistoric for similar purposes. Both are about the same hardness as quartz, and they are exceptionally tough. They are beautifully coloured and can be delicately shaped.

Image	Description	Ct Weight	Price ($AUS)
	Infused Jade and Diamond Butterfly   Valuation by Brisbane Valuation Service - V19727 (1996)   One yellow gold jade and diamond "butterfly" brooch stamped 750 18K.  Wingers are made of two carved pieces of very thin jadeite jade approximately 32mm*20mm, of good green colour (probably treated).   Body and wings of butterfly are channel, grain and rub over set with total 202 brilliant cut diamonds, with total calculated weight of 3.34ct.   Total weight of brooch 25.238grams.   RETAIL VALUE, $15000.00   (All stones assessed in setting-full gemmological testing not possible on jade pieces)   Copy of valuation available for viewing.		POA