GradingJul 30, 2024
Gübelin Academy Bringing Colored Gemstone Course to NYCSourcingAug 29, 2024
Lotus Gemology Publishes Book on Jade History
“Broken Bangle: The Blunder-Besmirched History of Jade Nomenclature” is an in-depth look at the evolution of jade terminology.
Lotus Gemology’s new book, “Broken Bangle: The Blunder-Besmirched History of Jade Nomenclature” is available now.
Bangkok—Bangkok-based lab Lotus Gemology has announced the release of a new book on the history of jade.
“Broken Bangle: The Blunder-Besmirched History of Jade Nomenclature” provides an in-depth discussion on the “tortuous history” of jade nomenclature with explanations on how current monikers are based on misinformation and misunderstandings.
It also features works from some of China’s contemporary jade and stone carvers accompanied by images of historical documents and photos.
The book is authored by geologist and gemologist Liu Shang-i; Lotus Gemology founder and ruby and sapphire expert Richard W. Hughes; Director of the Gemology Education Center of Shanghai’s Tongji University Zhou Zhengyu; and Lotus Gemology gemologist Kaylan Khourie.
Related stories will be right here …
“Broken Bangle: The Blunder-Besmirched History of Jade Nomenclature” provides an in-depth discussion on the “tortuous history” of jade nomenclature with explanations on how current monikers are based on misinformation and misunderstandings.
It also features works from some of China’s contemporary jade and stone carvers accompanied by images of historical documents and photos.
The book is authored by geologist and gemologist Liu Shang-i; Lotus Gemology founder and ruby and sapphire expert Richard W. Hughes; Director of the Gemology Education Center of Shanghai’s Tongji University Zhou Zhengyu; and Lotus Gemology gemologist Kaylan Khourie.
“Broken Bangle” includes a detailed section on the terms “nephrite” and “fei cui.”
In the mid-1800s, French mineralogist Alexis Damour was analyzing the Chinese gem yù, which is amphibole jade, and he named it “nephrite,” believing that he was looking at the same Mesoamerican pyroxene jade that a 16th century Spanish doctor himself misinterpreted as being used to treat kidney disease (“nephritus”).
In 1863, Damour coined another term for a new mineral species he called “jadeite.”
“Jadeite,” however, had already been known in China for over two centuries as fei cui (pronounced “fay choy”), the umbrella term the country’s trade uses for all pyroxene jades.
Recent studies have shown “jadeite” jade is a rock composed of three mineral components, the pyroxenes jadeite, omphacite, and kosmochlor. These components are very small, and it is nearly impossible to determine a stone’s exact composition.
Following the study, in July 2023, Lotus Gemology revised its lab reports, dropping the names jadeite, omphacite, and kosmochlor in favor of "fei cui.”
In December 2023, GIA also made changes to its jade reports, opting to, when appropriate, list the trade term “fei cui” with a note explaining that the term refers to the materials jadeite, omphacite, and kosmochlor.
“Our understanding of the world is deeply influenced by the names we assign to things. As history, culture, and scientific inquiry evolve, it becomes essential to assign accurate and fitting names to these unique types of jade that embody Chinese heritage. This nomenclature should reflect its cultural significance and resonate with both historical context and contemporary understanding,” said lead author Liu Shang-i.
Co-author Zhou Zhengyu added, “There is an ancient saying in China termed ‘casting a brick to attract jade.’ Any book or article is only a stage of understanding, and this understanding, if it can be better than before, is progress. Our work is certainly not the last word on the subject, but we hope it will help improve people’s understanding of this gem’s fascinating history and inspire others to research the subject further. Not unlike a brick thrown in the hopes of attracting jade.”
“Broken Bangle” will also cover other parts of Chinese culture, including much of the history of the Middle Kingdom.
The book is sponsored by Zhuang Qingfang, The Gemmological Association of Hong Kong, On Tung Jewellery, Junhao Gemology, and Pinde Xuan, along with Lotus Gemology.
The book is limited to 600 copies and can be purchased on Lotus Gemology’s website.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Sourcing
The Latest
SurveysJan 30, 2026
These Are the Top Brands of 2026, Says YouGovFrom tech platforms to candy companies, here’s how some of the highest-ranking brands earned their spot on the list.
CollectionsJan 30, 2026
Follow the Beat With Etiq’s ‘Khol’ RingThe “Khol” ring, our Piece of the Week, transforms the traditional Indian Khol drum into playful jewelry through hand-carved lapis.
MajorsJan 30, 2026
Arch Crown’s 2026 ‘Tag & Label’ Catalog Is HereThe catalog includes more than 100 styles of stock, pre-printed, and custom tags and labels, as well as bar code technology products.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
CollectionsJan 29, 2026
Ghirardelli’s ‘Chocolocket’ Returns for Valentine’s DayThe chocolatier is bringing back its chocolate-inspired locket, offering sets of two to celebrate “perfect pairs.”
Weekly QuizJan 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsJan 29, 2026
These Were Bonhams’ Top 10 Jewelry Lots in 2025The top lot of the year was a 1930s Cartier tiara owned by Nancy, Viscountess Astor, which sold for $1.2 million in London last summer.
WatchesJan 29, 2026
Audemars Piguet Opens AP House in AtlantaThe Swiss watchmaker has brought its latest immersive boutique to Atlanta, a city it described as “an epicenter of music and storytelling.”
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
ColumnistsJan 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Setting the Next Generation Up for SuccessIn his new column, Smith advises playing to your successor's strengths and resisting the urge to become a backseat driver.
SurveysJan 28, 2026
Consumer Confidence Falls Below Pandemic Lows in JanuaryThe index fell to its lowest level since May 2014 amid concerns about the present and the future.
IndependentsJan 28, 2026
Foundrae Heads to Aspen for Latest Store OpeningThe new store in Aspen, Colorado, takes inspiration from a stately library for its intimate yet elevated interior design.
FinancialsJan 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Sales Resilient as LVMH’s 2025 Sales SlipThe brands’ high jewelry collections performed especially well last year despite a challenging environment.
CollectionsJan 27, 2026
De Beers London, GemFair Debut New Collection Highlighting Artisanal DiamondsThe collection marks the first time GemFair’s artisanal diamonds will be brought directly to consumers.
SourcingJan 27, 2026
GemGuide Launches Pricing for Montana SapphiresThe initial charts are for blue, teal, and green material, each grouped into three charts categorized as good, fine, and extra fine.
TechnologyJan 27, 2026
Clientbook Launches Appointment Booking ToolThe new tool can assign the appropriate associate based on the client or appointment type and automate personalized text message follow-ups.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Tucson Preview 2026: Earthy Tones and Innovative Shapes Buyers are expected to gravitate toward gemstones that have a little something special, just like last year.
SourcingJan 26, 2026
Angolan Diamond Cos. Join NDC as Rio Tinto, Murowa Exit Endiama and Sodiam will contribute money to the marketing of natural diamonds as new members of the Natural Diamond Council.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
Francesca’s To Close All StoresThe retailer operates more than 450 boutiques across 45 states, according to its website.
MajorsJan 26, 2026
BIJC Names 5 New Board MembersThe new members’ skills span communications, business development, advocacy, and industry leadership.
CollectionsJan 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Celebrates 189 Years of Love StoriesThe jeweler’s 2026 Valentine’s Day campaign, “Celebrating Love Stories Since 1837,” includes a short firm starring actress Adria Arjona.
GradingJan 26, 2026
DCA Updates Colored Gemstone CourseThe new features include interactive flashcards and scenario-based roleplay with AI tools.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Watches of Switzerland Acquires 4-Store Jewelry Chain in TexasFamily-owned jewelry and watch retailer Deutsch & Deutsch has stores in El Paso, Laredo, McAllen, and Victoria.
WatchesJan 23, 2026
Damiani Group to Acquire Baume & MercierThe Italian luxury company purchased the nearly 200-year-old Swiss watch brand from Richemont.
TrendsJan 23, 2026
Martin Katz’s Earrings Call to Mind Wintry Weather Micro-set with hundreds of diamonds, these snowflake earrings recreate “winter’s most elegant silhouette,” and are our Piece of the Week.
MajorsJan 23, 2026
Rembrandt Charms Names New Director of Creative, Brand StrategyElla Blum was appointed to the newly created role.
Supplier BulletinJan 22, 2026
The Rise of Centralized Sourcing in the Colored Gemstone MarketSponsored by RapNet
MajorsJan 22, 2026
Lugano Diamonds Finds a BuyerInvestment firm Enhanced Retail Funding, a division of Gordon Brothers, was the successful bidder.
