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Jade To the Chinese, jade has traditionally represented beauty, grace and purity whether speaking of the soft (nephrite) or the hard (jadeite). Today jade may be dyed to enhance its natural color.
Ever Wonder What the 925 Means?
Pure silver is too soft and easily malleable for most jewelry purposes. Not only will it not hold its shape, it can be easily damaged. So to make silver more robust it is usually alloyed with other metals, such as copper. Sometimes nickel and other metals are included. If you have a known nickel allergy, you will want to seek out pieces that are specifically nickel-free. However, for most people the tiny amount of nickel in an alloy presents no problem.
925 on a piece of jewelry means that the piece is at least 925 parts out of 1000 pure silver.
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Did You Know..?
A two ton block of jade rests in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, near the Visitor Center.
Jade is the state gemstone of Alaska
Quetzal jade, bright green jadeitite from Guatemala, was prized by early peoples.
Canada is the primary source of today's lapidary nephrite.
Recommended eBay Seller
Olio Fashion Jewelry says their prices are so low, it's like having an uncle in the jewelry business. Possibly the largest seller of sterling silver and stone earrings, their low overhead -- having no brick-and-mortar store to pay for -- means they can pass savings on to you. A recent scan of their auction listings revealed they use materials such as black onyx, red jasper, amber, garnet and chalcedony. What a great way to stock up on inexpensive stocking stuffer gifts for friends, family and co-workers.
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