Jade is a mineral, widely used for ornaments and jewelry. Jade is culturally used in many parts of the world, including, but not limited to: East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and in Latin America such as Mexico and Guatemala.

There are two different known silicate minerals of jade that are internationally recognized as jade. Nephrite Jade is a silicate of calcium and magnesium in the amphibole group of minerals. Jadeite is a silicate of sodium and aluminum in the pyroxene group of minerals.

Jade is a trade name, so many stones such as aventurine or something called 'new jade', mostly containing of serpentine, is sold as jade. For instance, most gua shas in the marketplace and stores are made out of serpentine, aventurine, or is color-enhanced low quality jade. Quality real jade made into gua shas are rare. That is why jade education along with jade products helps build customer rapport.

Both Nephrite Jade and Jadeite are available. Nephrite Jade is sourced from a family of miners from Canada. They are proud to use more sustainable methods of sourcing jade. Most Jadeite comes from Myanmar (Burma). Many in the crystal world uses the term 'Burmese Jade'. 70% of the world’s Jadeite comes from Burma. Most production is overseen by a state-owned venture named, Myanmar Gem Enterprise. They are exported to China and hand-carved by Chinese artisans. Some jade pieces are also sourced from Xinjiang county.

Dyme Designs carry these specific types of jade:

• Jadeite from Burma
• Hetian Jade (Nephrite Jade) from Xinjiang, China
• Nephrite Jade from Canada
• Nephrite Jade from Australia
• Jadeite from Guatemala

Dyme Designs is proud to carry Grade A Jade. This grading system relates specifically to Jadeite as Hetain Nephrite Jade is not commonly chemically treated. Grade A means the jade has been untreated with a natural color (other than the polishing system that coats the jade with wax). Grade B means the jade has been chemically treated, bleached with acid and impregnated with polymer resin. Grade C means the jade has been dyed.

Thus, the grading system does not refer to the quality of the jade, but identifies if the jade has been chemically treated.

Our jade is hand-carved and polished in China. The meanings of the carvings can be auspicious and its intentions are to bring prosperity, good fortune and good health into the wearer's lives. Jade is culturally known to help protect the wearer.

Here are some of the meanings: 

• Dragon: Protection and Strength 
• Gourd: Prosperity and Protection 
• Ruyi: Auspicious and Manifestation for Prosperity and Security

Different carvings can have more specific meanings.

Jade can be brittle so it is best to be careful around hard surfaces. It is ok to use with mild soap and water. Please do not use hand sanitizer or anything with rubbing alcohol to clean jade ring.