Gem Lore:
Nephrite - derives from the greek term ‘nephos’ which translates to ‘kidney’ and is part of the jade family. The gemstone exhibits a notable green colour, which is often accompanied with random, black angular inclusions. Excluding the famed green hue, nephrite can come in a range of colours from: white (mutton fat jade), orange, brown, bluish grey and black (buried jade). Jade is a gemstone that holds particular significance and value within China, it is even considered more important than gold and silver. The gemstone has been carved into cabochons, beads, ornaments, weapons and sacred objects. In ancient China, it was believed that jade represented the five virtues of Confucius: benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and fidelity. Today, Jade symbolises good luck and health.
Currently, there are no standard bespoke alterations, available for this item. However, if you have a question regarding an alteration you wish to make to the item, please let us know. You can either fill out the enquiry form below, or contact us directly. We will see if we can help to make any provisions for your request, or advise you further.
Jewellery Care Precautions:
Avoid direct contact with: perfume, lotions, skincare, hairspray / other chemicals. Remove, your jewellery: when showering, swimming (as both chlorine and saltwater will react with metals), washing your hands / using hand sanitisers, before going to bed or when participating in physical activities (going to the gym, exercising, gardening, housework etc….).
Beware, metals may tarnish over time due to oxygen contact and natural body oils. Prevent items from being exposed to moisture and direct sunlight, for long periods. Store jewellery in a dry place away from humidity, in a pouch/jewellery box and keep each piece separated from each other. Care, for your jewellery by cleaning with a soft dry cloth.
Yellow Gold:
Gold as an element, in its purest form will not tarnish, but gold used in jewellery has been alloyed with other metals, to increase durability. These metals have properties that when in contact with oxygen, chemicals, oils or other substances - will result in a surface tarnish or damage and corrosion. Even the pH level of you skin and the natural oils it produces, can tarnish your gold jewellery.
To prevent your gold jewellery from tarnishing or even disintegrating, avoid exposure to household chemicals, bleaches, toothpaste, baking soda and other cleaning abrasives. Wearing jewellery in places where perfumes, hairsprays, body lotions have been applied on your body, will increase tarnishing. Wear your jewellery after the products have been applied. To clean your gold jewellery, use a mild soap with warm water and dry with a soft cloth. For professional cleaning, our workshop can polish your jewellery back to life.
Nephrite, Jade:
Hardness: 6.5 | Toughness: Excellent | Stability: Good
Extreme Caution, Avoid: Heat, Extreme Temperature Change (thermal shock), Chemicals (acids, detergents), Jewellery Cleaners (ultrasonic, steam cleaners).
Gemmological Observation: Clean with warm soapy water and dry with a soft cloth. Nephrite has excellent toughness and is very durable gemstone, that has the ability to resist fracture/breakage very well. However, it is a soft stone and care needs to be taken when either being worn or stored, to avoid scratches and abrasions appearing on the surface, from contact with harder materials.
