Canadian Jade Sterling Silver Marquise Pendant

Canadian Jade
Jade was first identified in Canada by Chinese settlers in 1886 in British Columbia, but was considered worthless at the time, as they were actually searching for gold! The mining business Loex James Ltd., started by two Californians, began the first commercial mining of Canadian Jade in 1972.

Jade is one of the oldest and most important gemstones, with a history dating over 7,000 years (it was historically used to make tools, weapons and ornaments). The term 'jade' was derived from 'Piedra de Ijada', a Spanish phrase meaning 'stone for the pain in the side’, because Spanish explorers saw natives of Central America holding pieces of jade to their sides, believing that it could cure illness.

Dark apple green in colour, with some translucency in the light, Canadian jade jewellery can be used as a talisman or worn as an amulet, which protects from destructive forces by acting as a shield.