Gemstone information

The most famous of Chinese stones, jade, is cool to the touch and believed to bring luck, health and protection to those wearing it. Royal figures have worn jade in China for thousands of years as it symbolises power, purity and immortality. Jade can be found in green, red, yellow, charcoal and lavender hues, but the most prized variety is Imperial Jade, which is distinguished by its deep apple-green colouring and slight translucency.

Chinese Akoya pearls are made using a nucleus and mantle tissue from a donor oyster. These are then implanted into another oyster which, over time, covers the nucleus with several layers of nacre (also known as mother-of-pearl) creating a beautiful pearl.

Also known as black onyx, this inky chalcedony quartz looks equally fabulous when cut in cabochon or faceted forms. In Chinese lore, black agate was thought to represent long life, wisdom and elegance.

Chinese freshwater pearls are cultivated in the Shanghai Lake District. Unlike Akoya pearls, freshwater pearls are cultured without a nucleus. The size of freshwater pearls can range from 3mm to 12mm, making them ideal for jewellery designs of all different sizes. Pearls are prized as a symbol of purity.

Carnelian is a type of chalcedony quartz, and is typically a blood-red or brown-red colour. Red is regarded as the luckiest colour in the Chinese culture, so wearing carnelian is believed to bring good fortune.

In the East, lapis beads are revered by Buddhists as one of the 'Seven Precious Things', along with beads of gold, silver, rock crystal, amethyst, agate and ruby. Deep blue lapis lazuli is said to represent good health and love.

Cinnabar is crystallised tree sap, and has historically been used by the Chinese in their fine lacquer work. This highly prized mineral ranges from cinnamon to cherry red in colour, and is ideal for the carving of intricate designs.