For nearly three decades we’ve traveled with a curious heart and a small roll of packing tape — from dusty gem shows to island beaches — gathering strands that hold memory and meaning. Jade arrives to us not as inventory, but as a small piece of a place: river-smoothed, weathered by hands, and carried into your work with the aloha that selected it. Here’s how the Beadkeepers frame jade — its history, its varieties, and the simple truths that make it a forever material.
What is Jade? Two stones, one story
"Jade" describes two different minerals — jadeite and nephrite — each with its own personality. Both are tough, dense, and carved in traditions that span continents. For makers, that toughness means fine holes, smooth finishes, and pieces that carry daily wear with quiet dignity.
Origins & provenance — why places matter
The journey of jade tracks ancient trade routes: riverbeds in Central Asia, mountain veins in Myanmar, and coastal talus in the Pacific. We choose stones with provenance — Canadian nephrite, Burmese jadeite, Pounamu from Aotearoa — because each origin carries a craft tradition and a relationship with place.
Canadian Nephrite
Deep greens, a firm satin finish — dependable and island-friendly.
Burmese Jadeite
From pale lavender to imperial green — treasured for translucency and color.
Pounamu (New Zealand)
Holds deep cultural meaning — often reserved for talismans and heirlooms.
How to tell real jade from lookalikes
Real jade is noticeably tough: it resists scratching, won’t show conchoidal fractures around drilled holes, and generally lacks bubbles that indicate glass or resin. Temperature and heft also give clues — jade feels cool in the hand and carries a reassuring weight.
For makers: check the drill hole for stepped fractures, test hardness gently, and when in doubt — ask the seller for provenance or a simple lab note. Our rule: if we wouldn’t wear it daily, we won’t put it in the vault.
Energy, symbolism & why makers love it
Across many cultures jade symbolizes balance, protection, and heart-centered calm. For our Ohana, jade is simultaneously pragmatic and poetic: a durable bead for an everyday mala and a tiny pendant that reads like a blessing.
6 Perfect projects with jade (starter ideas)
- Everyday mala: alternating jade with sandalwood for texture and grounding.
- Single-focal pendant: a drilled nugget on a simple fine chain — effortless heirloom.
- Stacker bracelets: mix tiny jade rondelles with gold-fill spacers for contrast.
- Cabochon bezel: inset a slab of jade into handworked bezel for a bespoke ring.
- Charm drop: attach a small jade slice to a keychain or zipper pull as a talisman.
- Mixed-media collar: pair jade with carved Bali elements for texture and story.
Gallery: Stones we’ve curated
Bring jade into your work
We curate with patience — a small cache of the best pieces becomes available periodically. If you’re hunting for a specific color or cut, drop into our Ohana live shows or peek the Jade collection.