18K yellow gold ring with nephrite jade

Introducing our gold and jade nephrite ring, a minimalist piece that focuses its attention on the gemstone. Oval in shape and flat in size, this ring is a comfortable and casual choice for everyday wear. Set in yellow gold, the piece is warm and wearable and an ideal choice for those who love green, jade and casual style.

The term jade refers to two distinct metamorphic rocks composed of different silicate minerals, jadeite and nephrite. With different chemical compositions, hardness and density levels and different crystal structures, jadeite and nephrite jade were considered the same mineral until 1863. The term jade derives from the Spanish “Piedra de Ijada” a phrase that means “stone for pain in the side” and comes from the Spanish conquistadors who, upon seeing the Central American natives holding pieces of jade on their sides, believed that it cured ailments in this area of the body. The word Jade comes to us through the French who discovered the term in the 17th century and decided to call it “ejade” inspired by the Spanish term which in turn derived into jade over the years. The name “nephrite” derives from the Greek “νεφρος” (nephros) kidney and “λιθος” (lithos) and therefore translates “kidney stone” as it was believed to possess healing properties on this organ.

Jade is one of the gemstones with the longest history, one that dates back more than 7,000 years and has been especially appreciated in the Chinese and Mesoamerican cultures where it was valued even more than gold. Traditional Chinese jade generally refers to nephrite as there are no jadeite deposits in China and although today green nephrite is considered the most valuable translucent white nephrite was considered more valuable until the introduction of “imperial” jadeite jade from Burma in the 18th century. With jadeite deposits in the current territory of Guatemala, Mesoamerican cultures elaborated ritual and jewelry pieces in jadeite, the most famous being the funerary mask of King Pacal.

Associated with good luck and money, jade has been used by many cultures as an amulet and set in gold, as an amulet or not, this ring is a minimalist and casual option for anyone who loves jade, gems and the color green. The ring measures 19/59 and weighs 11 grams.