Old Jade is Really Hot!

While both jadeite and nephrite jade have been avidly collected for centuries, lately the Asian market has rediscovered this cultural treasure in a big way. Sales for antique nephrite, particularly white or mutton fat nephrite jade, have skyrocketed. It's no wonder, because nephrite is an absolutely beautiful stone and the craftsmen created some spectacular works of art in miniature. While nephrite may not have the emerald flash more typically seen in emerald green jadeite, nephrite's subtle colorations are soothing. There is virtually nothing more calming than fondling the silky smooth surface of a piece of antique nephrite jade - unless you have a beloved pet, of course. While diamond may be the hardest gemstone on earth, nephrite is the toughest. It takes about one ton of pressure to crush a cubic inch of nephrite. It always amazes me to know that such a tough and durable stone can be transformed into lacey carvings at the hands of an expert artisan.

To see more fine example of antique jades, visit Elegant Artifacts at
www.ElegantArtifacts.etsy.com