Ahead of Lunar New Year, Tatler takes a closer look at what makes jade a favourite in Asian communities around the world
From the bustling markets of Hong Kong to the serene temples of Thailand, the stone known as 玉 (yù) in Chinese—a term that encompasses both jadeite and nephrite—is deeply entwined with the fortunes of the coming year. Found in shades of emerald, sage and celadon, jadeite is the rarer and harder of the two stones. Nephrite’s subtle palette encompasses white, grey and celadon hues. While less precious than jadeite, its toughness allows intricate carvings not possible with the more delicate mineral. Nephrite resonates with ancient Chinese spiritual traditions. From Confucius to Taoist sages, this stone signified virtue and wisdom. Across dynasties, nephrite adorned statues, vessels and ornaments.
As families gather to welcome in the Lunar New Year, many turn to jade as a protector and guide. It is customary for parents to give their children small jade pendants in the shape of animals from the Chinese zodiac, especially if the coming year corresponds with the child’s birth sign. These pendants are more than mere ornaments; they are amulets meant to safeguard the wearer and provide them with guidance and clarity.
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The importance of jade extends beyond the borders of China, appearing in many of the cultures that celebrate the Lunar New Year. In Singapore and Malaysia, with their large ethnic Chinese population, jade jewellery is often worn during festive celebrations as a statement of cultural identity and a talisman to attract good luck and prosperity. Similarly, in the Philippines, where a significant Chinese-Filipino community observes the holiday, jade stands as a symbol of the enduring connection to their heritage and is a prominent feature in the New Year festivities. In Indonesia, where the Lunar New Year is known as Imlek, jade is respected among the diverse cultures, many of which attribute unique powers to the stone, such as cleansing, good fortune, good health and prosperity.
The allure of the stone has permeated the palaces and temples of Thailand, with lore speaking of the precious stone being placed within the temples as offerings to Buddha, believed to bring peace and enlightenment. This approach continues in another form across cultures today. “Those [who] believe in Buddhism opt for Guanyin- [bodhisattva of compassion] or Buddha-shaped jadeite for protection. There is a saying that men wear Guanyin while women wear Buddha,” says Austy Lee, founder of his eponymous high jewellery brand in Hong Kong. He explains that the Guanyin’s soft heart and dignified manners “can eliminate a man’s violent temper, keep things clear and [allow them to] stay away from evil”, while “Buddha promotes a woman’s calmness and open-mindedness”.
For eons, jade has been more than a mere ornament; it has served as an emblem of the Chinese ethos. “Jade always embodies harmony, virtue and eternity,” Lee says. The Chinese proverb “Gold has a value; jade is invaluable” perfectly encapsulates its incalculable worth, he adds, driven by the virtues it represents.
He goes on to explain some of the ancient jade species that were revered, such as Shoushan jade; Xiu jade; chicken blood stone; and Hetian jade, a type of nephrite: “Hetian mutton fat white jade was the leader of the trade. It was revered for its warm, delicate texture.” But it was the imperial green jade beads worn by Empress Dowager Cixi that cemented jadeite’s status as a symbol of royalty, he says.
