This Victorian nephrite jade necklace weighs 23.6g and measures 34 inches long. An authentic Victorian necklace of Oriental inspiration, this rare necklace of impressive aesthetic incorporates a nephrite jade plaque of scallop-edged crescent format graded 'mutton fat' color measuring 55mm long and 34mm wide. Depicting artfully carved Chinese figurines embellished with botanically inspired accentuations, this masterfully carved figurine plaque is connected to the supporting silk cordette by means of highly ornate 14k yellow gold clasps. The supporting silk cordette of enchanting pastel olive-green color is enhanced by 12 round barrel jade beads with an eye-pleasing array of color ranging from 'frosted white' to 'mottled light-green', aligned at equal intervals.
Jade, or yu, as it is called in China, is the generic term for two different gems, nephrite and jadeite. The name is derived from the Spanish 'piedra de ijada', meaning 'loin-stone'. Jadeite and nephrite are both regarded in China as 'zhen yu', 'genuine jade'. It was not until the beginning of the 19th century that mineralogists and gemologists started to differentiate between them. While bearing considerable resemblance in terms of their appearance and hardness, they differ from one another in their chemical composition and colors. Nephrite ranges mainly from mid to dark green or grey-green, but it can also be white, yellowish or reddish. Rarer, and somewhat tougher, jadeite displays hues, which include green, but also white or pink, and reds, blacks, browns and violets. Both nephrite and jadeite often display veins, blemishes and streaks in their internal structure which are not necessarily regarded as flaws and can produce patterns considered particularly valuable. Both gems, since ancient times, have been used in amuletic and ornamental objects and nephrite was recognized by the Amerindians as a remedy for kidney ailments. Because of its beneficial effect on the kidneys, the stone was also known as 'lapis nephriticus' from which the term 'nephrite' derives.
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