BRIDES

Jade possesses all of the desirable qualities found in gemstones: It’s durable, rare, and beautiful, and it’s steeped in thousands of years worth of history and tradition. If you're leaning toward an engagement ring that checks off all those boxes, you may want to include jade in your search.

Artisans have been crafting with jade for thousands of years, in large part due to its spiritual associations. “It was often believed to cure the pain of the time of the Mayan and Aztecs,” says jewelry designer Edward Avedis. “However, it was the Chinese who revered the green jade since its discovery in Burma.” In fact, the Chinese character for jade dates back to 2950 BCE and, to this day, remains a highly significant gemstone within the culture.

Learn more about jade stones and what to look for in a jade engagement ring.

Pros and Cons of Jade Rings

Jade is desirable as an engagement ring, particularly for its distinctive green color. “Jadeite is the rarer gem,” Avedis says when comparing jadeite and nephrite stones. “It has a higher value and is most sought after in its vivid green color.” However, nephrite is more durable and affordable.

If you're looking for a jadeite ring, it’s important to choose type A because it tends to be more durable, according to Avedis. Type B and C have generally undergone treatments that temporarily enhance the appearance of the stone but deteriorate with time. 

What to Look for in a Jade Engagement Ring

• Is there a benefit to selecting a specific type of jade? Though jadeite comes in a range of colors, including shades of yellow, brown, lavender, red, and orange, “the most valuable and coveted jade is a specific green called imperial jade," Avedis says. At a certain point in history, imperial jade was reserved for only the Chinese emperor, making it all the more of an enticing gemstone for designing an engagement ring.
• What are some popular cuts for jade rings? The primary cut for jade is cabochon, a term that refers to gemstone shapes that aren’t faceted or carved. Avedis nods to oval, round, and marquise silhouettes as common cabochon jade stones you’ll find with engagement rings.
• What types of stones are set with jade? Designers will often set jade with other stones, like diamond halos or side stones.

How to Care for Your Jade Engagement Ring

Jade stones are quite durable but not as strong as other gemstones, like diamonds or sapphires. This makes jade engagement rings more prone to wear and tear if not cared for properly. Avedis recommends washing jade jewelry with soap and warm water to help keep its shine.

Jade is "scratch-resistant to a certain degree,” says Avedis. "[But] be sure to avoid harsh detergents." Dry your jade engagement ring with a soft cloth and store it in a jewelry box or wrap it in a silk cloth.

Now, scroll through the beautiful jade engagement rings below.