Some of the first trend makers to display these colors that the fashion world has embraced are of course celebrities. If you have watched any awards shows this spring season there is an undeniable trend emerging. Not just the greens and pastels of fashion, but fine fashion jewelry is a terrific indication of a strong color and style trend – and green jade drop earrings are the big winner.

We must begin with the Academy Awards. According to The American Gem Trade Association’s EPrism Newsletter celebrities are ‘Green With Envy’ in terms of their fine jewelry choices for the occasion. Dramatic emerald and green jade drop earrings were the hottest look. The article goes on to say “Jade was also popular at Oscar satellite parties.”

Stars like Reese Witherspoon, Emma Stone and Julianna Margulies have been enjoying their green jade drop earrings. In fact, Julianna Margulies is featured in the March 2012 issue of In Style Magazine, where she is pictured adorned in a pair of large beautifully carved green drop earrings complimenting her mauve dress at the Golden Globe Awards. Then she appears again with five other stars in the April 2012 issue of In Style in a mini-article entitled ‘Green Lanterns’. These ‘Green Lanterns’  of course referring to glowing green stone drop earrings of emeralds and jade. “Of all the precious colored gemstones – from rubies ans sapphires to yellow and pink diamonds – none are seen as frequently as emeralds or…jade on Hollywood’s loveliest lobes.”

There is only one definitive source for jade jewelry- Mason-Kay Jade of course. All the beautiful green jade drop earrings shown are Mason-Kay Jade designs. Mason-Kay’s extensive selection of loose jade stones are always a hot choice for fine jewelry designers across the globe. For better green earrings jade is the obvious choice for original style, trend and color.

The dragon is said to be able to change form at will; this is one reason why it has many different representations in jade carvings. Wearing a carved jadeite jade dragon can be an affirmation to ones own journey of transformation.

Five Fun Dragon Facts:

1.The Dragon is the ultimate symbol of extreme good fortune.

2. The dragon of the Chinese Zodiac is not what we typically expect of dragons. It is not the monster fire breather of medieval design, but a emblem of strength and goodness.

3. There are three types of dragon; one that lives in the sky, the sea and the mountains. It is the dragon of the heavens that is the most powerful and authentic.

4. The standard dragon has 4 claws, but the dragon that symbolizes royalty and the emperors  has 5 claws called the imperial dragon.

5. The Dragon symbolizes The Yang Principle – the masculine, energetic and positive. The depiction of the Dragon (Yang Principle) and Phoenix (Yin Principle) together remain a strong symbol of fidelity and marriage.

Please click here for more information about:
- Year of the Dragon
- More Jade Dragon Jewelry
- The Chinese Zodiac Signs
- Dragon Symbolism
- Chinese Art Symbols

Wishing you all the good fortune and good luck for the coming year.

Happy Chinese New Year!

This Continuous Green and Water Jadeite Jade ring above is a perfect example of a unique jewelry gift. This beautiful green jade carved flower atop a solid water jade ring with diamond center is a very trendy and popular style (size 8 only).

Jade purse charms are one of the most fabulous jade gifts. Not sure of her taste and size, don’t want to overspend – these jade charms can been worn on purses & belt loops and hung from desk lamps, rear view mirrors, etc. Numerous styles and jade carving combinations to choose from, you will find one that is perfect. Not sure where to start, try looking up her Chinese Zodiac sign here, then find a carving to match. Shown to the right, a jade purse charm with jade bead accents and a carved green jade rabbit – #4 on the Chinese Zodiac Sign Chart.

This green jade ‘pi’ or disc pendant shown to the left, is a staple for any jade jewelry lover, whether male of female. Perfect for wear on a chain of any metal color a or a silk or leather cord necklace. These disc pendants are available in many jade colors. To the right is our very popular carved black jade disc pendant on an adjustable black silk cord necklace with jade bead accents.

Also for him – these fine black jade round cuff links are perfect. Great for any formal occasion. Black in general is a safe choice as it can accompany any outfit and style. Flower rings in general have been a hot buy this fall season. This carved black jade flower ring with pave diamond center is a popular and affordable beauty.

Bangles, bangles, bangles. No matter the material bangles are extremely hot. The beauty of a jade bangle its intense durability for a piece of fine jewelry. This carved black jade bangle is again an ideal choice for a gift. Also, this bangle can be worn with other bangles of any material – an absolute winner to compliment gold and silver bangles.

If you have a true jade lover and have the funds for finer pieces these two are fabulous examples. The ring to the left is a new designer style exhibiting a fine green jadeite jade marquis stone set in a beautiful 18k white gold mounting with diamonds. The pin/pendant shown to your left is the ultimate unique  jade gift. This mermaid’s scales are carved green jadeite jade. She is adorned with pave diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and rock crystal top.

Last, but never least, are jadeite statuary. Mason-Kay Jade has an extensive selection of jade statuary. The Chinese take their carvings very seriously and are very specific about the significance of the art symbols used. Click here to see a list of some of the most popular and beautiful symbols used to help you choose just the carving for a statuary or pendant.

This season is especially sweet as one of our jewelry pieces appears in an episode. In the latest episode of ”What Not To Wear’, Stacy wears a beautiful lavender jade Mason Kay ring. It is the perfect ring to accompany her subtle ensemble as it brings an elegant and sweet lavender color and shine. Her dress and accessories are by Helmut Lang, Ann Taylor and BCBGeneration.

This ring has a simple yet refined and heavy 14k yellow gold design. The large lavender jadeite jade oval stone is set in a heavy mounting with amethyst trilliant side stones (Style #228757). The ring feels luxurious and important. Stacy, you wore it well.

As usual The Great Stacy is right on. According to the 2011 Fall Pantone Color Report, the color phlox or purple is very trendy this fall especially paired with warmer colors like camel. Uh, mmm, Stacy is wearing a grayish color dress with a camel color belt and shoes AND a lavender/purple jade ring. Right on.

Lavender Jade, Green Jade, Ice Jade and Black Jade are are all hot this season here in the U.S. and in Asia. These jade colors all fit very well into this and most fashion seasons. The popularity of jade jewelry has been on the increase for some time. Its natural, organic and earthy qualities blend well into a universal feeling that our world is finally learning to lean towards the true, the real and the genuine.

A genuine and smart jewelry investment is natural, untreated Jadeite jade. The East has known that for hundreds of years. It is a great investment for three reasons. Its value continues to increase and its future value is strong due to the Chinese love of the stone. Second, jade is one the most durable gemstones in the world, making it an investment that is acceptable to wear and enjoy. And last, jade never goes out of style. Just ask Stacy.

Even though black is a usual star and an essential in the fashion world, this fall season black is promoted to accessory star. On the runway black is an accent instead of a staple. Strong yet warm colors are dominant with black making a cameo appearance. Designers from Prada, Narciso Rodriguez, DKNY to Chloe have incorporated black  in their designs, but black is the guest star and not the main event.

When black plays this softer and lighter starring role as an accessory, fine jewelry wins. Fine jewelry featuring black stones are extremely hot this season. Unfortunately some consumers believe that onyx is their only choice of black stones in better jewelry. Worse yet onyx is merely a semi-precious stone that is quite fragile and average. Also most ‘black onyx’ is treated and enhanced. Many do not realize that black jade is the ideal alternative.

First of all jade is extremely durable. It is this quality of  hardness and durability that has assisted in defining jade as a gem. Fine and better jewelry with black stones is one of the most versatile jewelry styles; worn to work and off to play. For that kind of everyday wear in conjunction with the value of better to fine fashion jewelry consumers should insist on quality and durability. There is no other choice than black jade.

Mason-Kay‘s designers have developed a new line dedicated to the beauty of black jade – The Midnight Jade Collection. To the touch, black jade is a rich and sumptuous stone. It also feels wonderful against the skin. Just a few of the designs from this fabulous and successful new collection are shown in this post. Shown at the top, drop earrings featuring black jade ‘rings’ with 14k white gold and diamonds. Then a new black jade cocktail ring that has received much attention for its large and luxurious black jade oval stone set in a micro-set diamond semi bezel.

Next, a jade must. Bangle bracelets are one of the hottest and lasting trends we have seen in years. However, the bangle trend has endured for hundreds of years in China. That valuable quality of durability lends this exquisite stone to shapes and carvings like no other gem. The only other bangle bracelets made from natural materials you can find ever are wood, metals and shell. Jade bangles are revered and treasured. Pictured above is a 14k yellow gold fluted hinged black jade cylindrical bangle and to the left a  solid black jade half round carved cuff bangle. Mason-Kay offers many different bangle designs.

The black jade bead necklace featured to the left is a beautiful long strand of 10mm beads with a 14k white gold ‘Mason-Kay‘ clasp. Black jade beads are a must for any jewelry collection. A standard that feels great to wear and is always appropriate. These days with the necklace layering fad as strong as it is, a strand of black jade beads is the perfect compliment to gold and silver chains and because of its organic nature it also accompanies silk & hemp cord, wood, and all other natural materials well.

Mason-Kay‘s newest designs from the Black Jade Midnight Collection are unique and distinctive. This black jade carved flower ring with a micro-set diamond center and the black jade circle pendant shown here to the right with an inner micro-set diamond circle are perfect examples of fresh and trendy designs that are making a splash in the fashion jewelry world and examples of how powerful and important black jade jewelry is this fall 2011 season.

In the January edition of the American Gem Trade Associations (AGTA) EPrism online newsletter the first article substantiates the opinion that it is all about color. “The great thing about color gemstones is that there really is something for everyone, a smorgasbord of options to create your perfect red carpet style!”

Recently in Vogue magazine there was an article entitled “The Green Movement”. In it the author is astounded by the fact that the color and hues of jade and jade jewelry are everywhere. “It’s not just you – jade is everywhere… As a trend it has been growing quietly, like forest lichen, which is often jade-colored.”

“This year, green is another essential shade…green has really become somewhat of a neutral, so you’ll likely to able to wear it with a lot of different things in your wardrobe” says Jane Taylor from the 2011 AGTA Color Forecast. The green jadeite jade pendant show to the right exemplifies some of these green hues that work so well with other pieces of jewelry as well as everyday and evening wear. One can wear this pendant on a long chain and incorporate it in a layered look, or on a shorter chain on its own to lay just above the cleavage.

The necklace show above and to the left is a perfect example of why jadeite jade jewelry has become so hot. This necklace showcases 15 jadeite jade discs strung together with dark green silk cord and red jade bead accents. This is fine jewelry with extraordinary colors, but no outrageous price. There is no gold to elevate the cost, only a unique design that will enhance any outfit for any occasion.

Mason-Kay Jade’s award-winning design team has been working tirelessly to develop and create more fine jade jewelry pieces that are ideal for the red carpet, but also for everyday wear. Jade truly has it all; it is durable enough to wear everyday, fine enough to be coveted as the stone of emperors, and colorful enough to inspire our fashion senses.

There are two aspects of the meanings of Chinese Zodiac signs. First, the actual Zodiac personality traits and the significance of the Chinese art symbol of the Rabbit.

Those born under the sign of the Rabbit are known to be kind and unassuming. They avoid any type of conflict and are quite diplomatic, resulting in a peaceful and calm personality. However, they tend to be popular and play well with others. They are romantic, faithful  and compassionate .

The ‘Rabbit’ is known for their sense of style. They are often well-dressed and their homes are well kept and stylish. Being artistic and shrewd, the ‘Rabbit’ knows style & fashion, but is smart enough to look for a bargain. Please click here to read more about the personality traits of the ‘Rabbit’ and what celebrities are the sign of the ‘Rabbit.

Ancient Chinese beliefs, meanings, and legends can be found as representations and symbols in Chinese art. The convergence of these beliefs and superstitions from  Taoism and Buddhism have resulted in a very long, but complete set of art symbols used in Chinese culture.

The rabbit is a symbol of longevity and hope. It is said in Buddhist legend that the rabbit offered itself as a willing sacrifice. Therefore it was rewarded for its devotion by being given the capability to transmigrate to the moon.

Show above to the left is a carved green jadeite jade purse charm with green, white and yellow jadeite jade bead accents. Pictured to the right is a continuous, green jadeite jade ring. Carved on the top of this ring is a rabbit laying down.

We love to wear our zodiac sign in one way or another. The jade ‘purse charm’ is a perfect accessory. Of course, you can hang it on your purse, but there are many ways to wear and use this ornament. Due to the durability of jadeite jade, please feel free to use this charm on your key chain. You can even hang it on a belt loop.  I personally love to wear mine (I am the year of the Rooster) on the belt of my favorite wrap around sweater. Since jade is has a translucent quality, I have recommended hanging these charms and other carvings on the outside of a lamp shade. Then illuminates the beauty of the jade carving.

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR FROM MASON-KAY JADE!

Jade is one of the most unique gemstones for several reasons. It is found in a very wide array of colors and it is extremely durable. Its durability and resilience make it an ideal candidate for  fine jewelry styles without gold. Jade is the most durable gemstone known to man. It can be carved into intricate carvings, but also into designs that work well on silk cords, leather cords, already owned chains or on their own. Shown above to the left is a black jade disc pendant in Chinese called a ‘pi’ (pronounced bee) and to the right a green jadeite jade pi. “The Pi was symbolic of power and authority – much of that power was thought to come through the essence of jade…as it is considered the stone of heaven”.

The necklace pictured here to the left has received much attention for its unique and flattering necklace design with no gold. The design includes 15 jadeite jade discs or pi’s connected together with dark green silk cord with carnelian bead accents. The colors of the discs range from butterscotch yellow jadeite to light apple green to sunset red. Even the clasp is a green jade button with silk cord loop. The necklace is perfectly complimented by the continuous butterscotch yellow jadeite jade bangle shown to the right. Yet another example of fine jewelry without gold. Solid or continuous jade bangles have been popular for decades. And now with the increased popularity of bangles in general, especially large over-sized bangles, our jade bangles are flying out the door. Seen here to the left is an oval grey jadeite jade continuous cuff bangle (also available in black jade). Wide cuff bangles are a very hot trend and to be able to find a solid gemstone cuff bangle is very unique and desirable. Another exciting trend is to mix different jewelry genres together. Bangles and beads lends themselves perfectly to this trend. Wearing a solid jade bangle or two with a few yellow or white gold bangles you may already own is a distinct and stylish look.

Of course, you would have had to been hiding under a rock not to notice the new necklace layering trend. I can not stress enough how well either jade beads or jade on silk cords work with this new style. The black jade beads necklace shown to the right are beautiful rich black jade with no clasp. The strand is long enough to fit over the head and therefore avoiding the extra cost of a gold clasp and long enough to work perfectly with any chains or other long necklaces you may have. We have found that especially a long black jade strand will revive and rejuvenate your jewelry box. You won’t believe the pieces that you have forgotten that will look so exciting with your new black jade beads.

The necklace show here to the left is a carved black jade medallion pendant on a black silk cord adjustable necklace with green jade bead accents, a striking piece of fine jade jewelry without the fine jewelry price.

One of the most quintessential solid jade pieces is a continuous jade ring. Due to jade’s durability one can wear a continuous jade band ring with fear of easily cracking it. Many couples like to wear matching jade wedding bands.

You could never wear a solid onyx ring and expect it to last through any kind of real wear, but jade can take a beating.

Being the most durable gemstone has extraordinary benefits for those that appreciate and love it. Please click here to see more jade styles without gold.

According to wikinvest.com “Estimates of the size and growth rate of China’s middle class vary. Roughly half of China’s projected urban population will be middle class in 2025…The first industrial revolution created a 250% increase in per capita income over a 100 year period. The second industrial revolution triggered 350% per capita income growth over 60 years. By comparison, China is on track to create a 700% growth in per capita income in just 20 years.”

In China, the sales for traditional luxuries such as travel, fine dining, fashion, automobiles and fine jewelry are surpassing all expectations. Much of this middle class demographic are young urban professionals with disposable funds to invest and enjoy. We are all aware that much of the world’s designer counterfeits are produced in China. However, the Chinese are not fooled and pride themselves on knowing and possessing their most prized possessions only in the most genuine and authentic forms. Natural, untreated jadeite jade is one these most desired and revered luxuries. “Known as the ‘royal gemstone’, jadeite has been inextricably linked to Chinese culture, and has been prized for centuries by emperors, noblemen, poets and China’s seriously rich.” (Jewellery News Asia, July 2010) A deep-rooted adoration and dedication for jadeite jade has been instilled in the younger generations, inspiring designers to develop new more modern and stylish designs.

“Modern cuts and trendy designs have further enhanced this priceless treasure’s allure, reeling in a younger generation of consumers who also prize jadeite jewellery for its beauty and inherent value”(Jewellery News Asia, July 2010). Mason-Kay Jade is not only the U.S. leader in jadeite jade but has also made an exerted effort to be at the forefront of fine designer jade jewelry. Mason-Kay’s award winning design team has been acclaimed for its trendy, fashionable and unique jade designs. The article features several pieces designed by Kristina exclusively for Mason-Kay Jade. These earrings shown to the left were chosen as a best earring design finalist for the JCK Jewelers Choice Awards 2009. These earrings are part of the Azure jade collection. This successful collection features better green jadeite jade stones with diamonds and blue sapphire accents.

Better black nephrite jade sales and interest have also been on the rise according to Mr. Jeff Mason, President of Mason-Kay Jade. “We have also begun to design our Midnight Collection of better black jade in white gold with diamonds and cabochon coloured gemstones”(Jewellery News Asia, July 2010). Two special pieces from this collection are shown here; a black jade oval cocktail ring with diamond and cabochon ruby side stones and black jade disc drop earrings with cabochon ruby tops. These and other black jade designs from the Midnight Jade Line received rave reviews from those who were able to see a sneak peak at the recent JCK show in Las Vegas. Mason-Kay is planning on the debut of this Midnight Jade Line  in the spring of 2011.

The article begins “In spite of the global economic gloom that had forced consumers to hold off on spending, demand for high-end jadeite, after gemstones, remains red-hot in the Asian region.” The article continues on to reveal that record prices were paid at jade auctions for rough material.

Jade has continued to be a well kept secret for investors. Prices here is the US have remained consistent and reasonable. As the demand for fine and better jadeite jade jewelry increases in Asia, so have the prices. Mason-Kay Jade, the US leader in jadeite jade jewelry sales, has been experiencing increased sales and interest in jadeite jade jewelry. Mason-Kay has encountered much interest in their designer jade jewelry lines. The Azure Collection, designed by Kristina,  featuring better green jade stones set in white gold with blue sapphires and diamonds accents has received much acclaim as well as the highly anticipated Midnight Collection featuring better black jade set with rubies.

The article concludes “Due to the growing demand for jadeite, it is expected that high-end rough will become rarer and more precious, giving rise to record-breaking prices for the gemstone. The selling price of high-end, rough will continue to soar, which could further shore up prices for quality jadeite jewellery. In a downward market, the exquisite jadeite continues to shine. China’s jadeite trade with jadeite fetching record bids at recently held auctions in Myanmar, the “jadeite fever” gripping the mainland continues to heat up, further building up China’s market for uncut jadeite.”

To view the newest and best from Mason-Kay Jade please click here.