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Cuprite | South West Mine, Bisbee, Cochise, Arizona

#jewelleryfacts365 175/365 Gem fact

Jade was first identified in Canada by Chinese settlers in 1886 in British Columbia. At this time jade was considered worthless as they were searching for gold. Jade was not commercialized in Canada until the 1970s.

Copper and sterling silver pendant with BC jade

Bead Day

Japan, Hanayome Bridal Style, Traditional Samurai Wedding Style of Bunkin Takashimada

#jewelleryfacts365 174/365 Gem fact

The value of jade is determined according to its colour and the intensity of that colour, the vivacity and texture, and its clarity and transparency. In the USA and Europe, emerald green, spinach green and apple green are regarded as particularly valuable. In the Far East, on the other hand, pure white or a fine yellow with a delicate pink undertone is highly esteemed.

Platinum, Jadeite and Diamond Pendant-Brooch, Circa 1920

Sold #ooak jewellery

#jewelleryfacts365 173/365 Gem fact

The Mayas, Aztecs and Olmecs of Central America honoured and esteemed jade more highly than gold. In China a good piece of jade could buy towns or start wars.

Maya jade burial mask

Friday inspiration

#jewelleryfacts365 172/365 Gem fact

Almost every color of tourmaline can be found in Brazil, especially in the Brazilian states of Minas Gerais and Bahia. In 1989, miners discovered a unique and brightly colored variety of tourmaline in the state of Paraíba. The new type of tourmaline, which soon became known as paraiba tourmaline, came in blue and green.

Rough Paraiba tourmaline

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Heliodor

#jewelleryfacts365 171/365 Gem fact

Some clear topaz crystals from Brazilian pegmatites can reach boulder size and weigh hundreds of pounds. Crystals of this size may be seen in museum collections.

Woman with large topaz crystal from Brazil, Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.