green stone Archives | Goldfish Jewellery Design Studio

Jade has long been fashioned into statues, weapons, utensils and other ornaments.

The Chinese have cherished this green, fine-textured gem for many centuries. In Chinese culture it represents the five cardinal virtues namely; Charity, Modesty, Courage, Justice and Wisdom.

You might have seen a Buddha carved from Jade, or heard of Jade daggers. The reason that these objects are formed from this stone is due to its many properties. It is most valued for its metaphysical properties, and is the ultimate “Dream Stone.” It is believed to bring luck to its wearer in all games of luck and chance, to cure kidney stones and bladder problems, and also promotes a long and prosperous life, among a list of many.

Jade gemstone — *Jade, an ornamental stone. White and green. By Simon A. Eugster [GFDL or CC BY-SA 3.0 ], from Wikimedia Commons*

There are in actual fact two gems that are referred to as Jade, which was only recognised in 1863.

The first is a gem called Jadeite, or Imperial Jade. Jadeite is found In Burma, Japan, Guatemala and California. Jadeite occurs in a whole variety of colours from white to pink, blue and even black.

The other variety is Nephrite. This gem only occurs in green, but what a large variety of shades, from pale washed out green, to deep dark green. This is the stone that the whole of the eastern world cherishes. Nephrite is found in central Asia, Siberia (Dark green with black spots) Russia (spinach coloured), New Zealand, USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Taiwan, Zimbabwe, Italy, Poland, Germany, and Switzerland. This is the variety that is carved into the most delicate and finely worked ornaments and pieces.

Due to the demand for this gem in the East, Jade is very scarce and extremely expensive in South Africa.

— Zak

Goldfish Jewellery Design Studio works with all precious metals, stones and diamonds. For further information, please contact us.

emerald - goldfish jewellery design studio

You have all heard of Emeralds. This simply sparkling-green precious stone is sometimes even more valued than diamonds. It truly gives its owner the gift of eloquence.

The name comes from the Greek word Smaragdos, which means “green stone”. Many ancient races thought of the Emerald as the stone of the Gods. The Greeks associated this stone with the goddess Venus, and for many people it is a symbol of constancy and true affection reflecting the security of love. Legend has it that if an Emerald is given to a lover the stone will pale and grow dull as the love fades (don’t go into a panic, your stone might just be dirty!).

In the book of Revelations, Emerald is said to compose the throne of God. The Holy Grail is speculated to be carved from a huge Emerald… which fell from Satan’s crown when he was banished from heaven. And somewhere someone suggested that Jesus used an Emerald bowl at the last supper.

The first Emeralds came from the Egyptian desert. Not surprising then that Cleopatra made gifts of them to give her favourite ambassadors.

The Incas and Aztecs worshiped it as a sacred stone. Julius Caesar collected them for their healing properties, which are vast. Nero, while watching the gladiators in the arena, used it to lengthen his vision.

Emerald is the zodiac stone for Cancer and birthstone for May.

An excellent general healer. It acts as a blood detoxifier and encourage abundance, growth, peace, harmony, love and fidelity. It also lifts depression and helps those in need of inspiration. Emerald is said to give inner clarity and wisdom, and has been used for healing asthma, heart problems, indigestion, jaundice and poor eyesight.

— Reinette

Goldfish Jewellery Design Studio works with all precious metals, stones and diamonds. For further information, please contact us.