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It also features works from some of China’s contemporary jade and stone carvers accompanied by images of historical documents and photos.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It also features works from some of China’s contemporary jade and stone carvers accompanied by images of historical documents and photos.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.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Selena Gomez Said ‘Forever Begins Now’ to Marquise Diamond Engagement RingEstimates on the size and value of the solitaire diamond, which is mounted on a diamond pavé-set yellow gold band, vary.
TrendsDec 13, 2024
Piece of the Week: Martin Katz’s Tanzanite Drops These half-moon tanzanite earrings totaling 25 carats are part of a special trunk show taking place this weekend in Dallas.
Recorded WebinarsDec 13, 2024
Watch: The Highs and Lows of 2024The National Jeweler editors recap the top news, the best jewels, and their favorite stories of the year.
Brought to you by
Advocacy and Excellence: How Jewelers of America Is Committed to Elevating Our Industry For over a century, Jewelers of America has been the voice of the industry and valuable resource to jewelers across the country.
AuctionsDec 12, 2024
Tom Brady’s Watches Top $4M at Sotheby’s AuctionThe highest-grossing lot of the sale was the retired QB’s Rolex Paul Newman Daytona “John Player Special.”
Weekly QuizDec 12, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 12, 2024
Mark Henry Appoints New Director of SalesCarrie Forman joins the brand to guide it into the next phase of growth with major and independent retailers in the U.S. and abroad.
CollectionsDec 12, 2024
The Jared Atelier x Vera Wang Collection Emphasizes EleganceThe high jewelry collection features 14 one-of-a-kind pieces, with serpent and ribbon motifs winding their way through the collection.
Brought to you by
Protecting Your Sparkle: Why Screening Has Become Essential While no reputable jeweler would knowingly sell lab-grown stones as natural, it's a growing possibility.
CrimeDec 11, 2024
Former Tiffany & Co. Factory Supervisor Sentenced for Stealing Precious Metals A federal judge gave Benjamin Preacher 59 days in jail, plus 10 months of home confinement and two years of supervised release.
GradingDec 11, 2024
IGI Set to Go Public Next WeekIn a CNBC interview, CEO Tehmasp Printer discussed the IPO in India and what declining lab-grown diamond prices mean for the company.
AuctionsDec 11, 2024
Sotheby’s Important Watches Sale Fetches $16.6MThe offering included vintage Rolexes, timepieces worn in “Titanic,” Steve McQueen's watch, and a special Citizen pocket watch.
CollectionsDec 11, 2024
Stephanie Gottlieb Brings Natural Diamonds to StudsThe 13-piece “Stephanie Gottlieb x Studs” collection is the piercing studio’s first fine jewelry offering to feature the gemstone.
IndependentsDec 10, 2024
Sauer Opens First U.S. StoreThe Brazilian jewelry brand made a home on New York City’s Madison Avenue with exclusive pieces only available at the location.
SurveysDec 10, 2024
Jewelry Among Top Sellers on Cyber Monday, Says AdobeAn Adobe Analytics report explored the rise in mobile shopping, the popularity of Buy Now Pay Later options, and peak shopping hours.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2024
AGTA Launches Scholarship for University of Arizona Geosciences StudentsThe inaugural Dick Greenwood Memorial Scholarship in Gems Science will cover the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2024
JA New York To Debut 2 New Pavilions at Spring 2025 ShowA Piazza Italia pavilion will feature Italian designers and manufacturers while “MJSA Showcase” brings over a piece of the MJSA Expo.
CollectionsDec 09, 2024
Ray Griffiths’ First Coffee Table Book Spans 5 Decades of Design“Ray Griffiths: The Works” tells the story of the master jeweler’s career, which started with an apprenticeship in Australia at age 15.
MajorsDec 09, 2024
Thomas Davis, Grant Mobley Join WJA Foundation Board Davis is the director of business development at Select Jewelry Inc., and Mobley is the jewelry and watch editor at the Natural Diamond Council.
FinancialsDec 09, 2024
Movado’s Q3 Sales Down 3% Amid ‘Challenging’ EnvironmentThe retailer has been upping its marketing spend to drive revenue growth and brand awareness.
IndependentsDec 06, 2024
After 44 Years in Business, This Wisconsin Independent Is ClosingMike Straub and John Treiber opened Treiber & Straub in 1980 with the goal of bringing Milwaukeeans the best jewelry brands.
TrendsDec 06, 2024
Pantone’s Color of the Year Is a Delicious MousseThe color for 2025, “Mocha Mousse,” embodies thoughtful indulgences and everyday pleasures.
CollectionsDec 06, 2024
Piece of the Week: Cocoerow Fine Jewelry’s ‘Kokoro’ PendantThe Yoruba word for ant, “Kokoro” embodies the strength of womanhood in ant society while highlighting responsible sourcing.
FinancialsDec 06, 2024
Roberto Coin Acquisition Gives Watches of Switzerland a Boost in H1The retailer’s jewelry sales doubled, with branded jewelry performing especially well.
FinancialsDec 05, 2024
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Slide Amid Slow Engagement Ring Sales, Tech IssuesThe jewelry retailer addressed the lab-grown diamond “disruption,” the price of gold, and its holiday weekend performance.
SurveysDec 05, 2024
Consumer Confidence Rises Again in NovemberA more positive view of the current labor market boosted the Conference Board’s index last month.
Events & AwardsDec 05, 2024
Michael S. Krzemnicki to Receive 2024 Bonanno AwardThe director of the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) will be honored for his impact on gemology and dedication to advancing the science.
Supplier BulletinDec 05, 2024
Join Us For Color's Premier Show: 2025 AGTA GemFair TucsonSponsored by 2025 AGTA GemFair Tucson
