If I had unlimited funds I would spend a large proportion of it on objects made from jade, both artefacts and modern jewelry pieces. The subtle shades of green and lilac are what appeal to me. Jade jewelry is understated, rather than the “in your face” obviousness of many other stones.
Jade is an incredibly tough material, stronger than steel, and in pre-historical times was used for axe-heads, knives and weapons. It is only more recently that Jade’s beauty has led to its use in jewelry and fine ornaments.
There are two forms of jade, jadeite and nephrite. The two have very different structures, but exhibit similar properties. The structural differences do not affect the uses to which the jade is put, they are only significant to a collector of gems.
Sponsors
In today’s hyper social networked age, the simple act of sending business thank you notes to your customers is often overlooked.
Jewelry References
Jewelry Information Center (JIC) is the public relations arm of the fine jewelry and watch industries. Founded as a non-profit trade association in 1946 in New York City, JIC is funded by its members (nearly 1,000 manufacturers, designers, and retailers o- Fashion Conversations
AGS Laboratories is the world’s premier diamond grading laboratory for diamond cut, the first diamond laboratory to offer a diamond cut grade based on proven science and the first laboratory to offer cut grading for fancy shapes including princess, emeral
The Cultured Pearl Association of America, Inc is a non profit group founded in 1957, comprised of the finest manufacturers, wholesalers, dealers and suppliers of Cultured Pearls in the United States. Our intention is to “cultivate” awareness, interest, 
American Gemological Laboratories (AGL) is an international gemstone testing facility specializing in comprehensive colored gemstone analysis. AGL provides identification reports, detailed enhancement reports, country-of-origin or provenance reports, as w
CIBJO is an international confederation of national jewelery trade organizations. CIBJO’s purpose is to encourage harmonization, promote international cooperation in the jewelery industry, and to consider issues which concern the trade worldwide.
The AGTA is recognized within the jewelry trade as the authoritative source on natural colored gemstones: “The voice of the natural colored gemstone, pearl and cultured pearl industries.”
Established in 1931, GIA is the world’s largest and most respected nonprofit institute of gemological research and learning. GIA discovers (through GIA Research), imparts (through GIA Education), and applies (through the GIA Laboratory and GIA Instrument
The Platinum Guild International is the official website for platinum jewelry; offering advice and information, design inspiration, and where to find a recommended platinum retailer in your area. The site is brought to you by Platinum Guild International,
The Silver Institute is a nonprofit international association that draws its membership from across the breadth of the silver industry. This includes leading silver mining houses, refiners, bullion suppliers, manufacturers of silver products and wholesale
Founded in 1987, the World Gold Council is an organization formed and funded by the world’s leading gold mining companies with the aim of stimulating and maximising the demand for, and holding of Gold.
Jewelry Titans
The year was 1837. Charles Lewis Tiffany and his schoolmate John Young traveled from New England to New York City with an idea and a dream that were to become Tiffany & Co. While the first day of business brought a mere four dollars and 98 cents, the 
Harry Winston always possessed a gift; he had an eye for the best gemstones and a nose for what the customer wanted. Winston is still known for exquisite jewelry. His name is still linked to some of the most beautiful jewels and settings in the world.
Louis Francois Cartier the son of a powder horn maker, founded Cartier in 1847; the year his workshop master Adolphe Picard died. Cartier would take over Maitre Picard’s Jewelry shop located at 31 Rue Montorgueil, Paris.
- JA New York Summer Show off to 'lively' startThe JA New York Summer Show opened its doors on Sunday morning at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, with brisk foot traffic, optimistic exhibitors and timely, on-point educational sessions helping to bring a palpable sense of energy to the show floor. […]
- JA New York keynote: Talkin' to the new generationJewelers attending the JA New York Summer Show's opening day keynote speech Sunday got some answers on a topic of tantamount importance to jewelers today: How to reel in the ultra plugged-in, Internet-savvy and often elusive Generation Y consumer for those ever-important bridal sales. […]
- Citibank issues Zale third termination noticeZale Corp. must cough up yet a little more money if it wants to avoid seeing its private-label credit card program end early next year, Zale's latest Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing shows. […]
- Why jewelers can learn from shoe e-tailer ZapposJewelers should take some cues from online shoe retailer Zappos, writes marketing expert Ellen Fructhman, whose latest marketing column explains how the company "sets the bar in customer service, selection and HR superiority in a way most other companies could only dream of." […]
- Will your diamond jewelry sales rock this holiday?The diamond market has come back to life, with De Beers' recent announcement of a 74.1 percent sales increase the latest in a series of positive signs. But will diamond jewelry perform for U.S. retailers at the counter come holiday time? […]
- Platinum and gold manufacturers test drive silverWith the price of gold continuing to be a hurdle at the sales counter, more jewelry manufacturers that once worked solely in gold and platinum have been moving into the silver market. […]
- GIA hosts career fair, Melo pearl lectureThe Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has announced plans to host a career fair in Carlsbad, Calif., headquarters in October, and is also inviting the gemological community to attend a lecture on the much buzzed-about Melo pearl in Bangkok, Thailand, next week. […]
- SPS to intro 'Silvermark Manufacturer' programAfter launching areas on its Web site to recognize silver jewelry designers, products and services, the Silver Promotion Service (SPS) is turning to silver jewelry manufacturers, announcing on Thursday that it will introduce a "SilverMark Manufacturer" section on its "Savor Silver" Web site. […]
- De Beers CEO Penny to exit companyDe Beers Chief Executive Officer Gareth Penny will step down this fall after five years at the helm of the world's largest diamond mining company, a tenure that included guiding De Beers through one of the worst financial crises in history. […]
- Judge rules Cohen need not buy Carlyle and Co.A federal bankruptcy court judge has ruled that Russell Cohen, a member of the family that founded the Carlyle and Co. retail chain, is off the hook when it comes to buying back his family's former business. […]