19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in English
Lotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.

“Nephrite and Jadeite,” originally published by Heinrich Fischer as “Nephrit und Jadeit” in 1880, was translated from its original German into English, and edited by Lotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes.
Hughes is the author of several books, including the 2022 book “Jade: A Gemologist's Guide” and “Broken Bangle: The Blunder-Besmirched History of Jade Nomenclature,” which came out last year.
The translated book is the first monograph on jade ever written in a Western language, according to the lab.
Born in Freiburg im Breisgau, Leopold Heinrich Fischer was a German polymath who studied medicine and was noted for his publications on entomology, microscopy, mineralogy, archeology, as well as his advanced study of insect taxonomy, and studies of the Stone Age, the lab said.
He examined jade from all over the world, tracking nearly every Western source and some sources in Asia. His book features an “astonishing” amount of detail for being written by a single author, the lab noted.
The English translation includes a 43-page appendix with full bibliographic details of all references cited by Fischer.
It also contains additional references on jade in both Western and Chinese languages, which the lab said is a valuable resource for scholars.
“It is truly astounding and a book that will delight those who open its pages,” said Lotus Gemology.
The hardcover book is $195 and can be ordered here.
The Latest

Located in NorthPark Center, the revamped store is nearly 2,000 square feet larger and includes the first Tudor boutique in Dallas.

The nonprofit has made updates to the content in its beginner and advanced jewelry sales courses.

BIJC President Malyia McNaughton will shift roles to lead the new foundation, and Elyssa Jenkins-Pérez will succeed her as president.

Gain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.

As a nod to the theme of JCK Las Vegas 2025, “Decades,” National Jeweler took a look back at the top 10 jewelry trends of the past 10 years.


The company plans to halt all consumer-facing activity this summer, while Lightbox factory operations will cease by the end of the year.

Following weekend negotiations, the tax on Chinese goods imported into the United States will drop by 115 percent for the next 90 days.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

“Artists’ Jewelry: From Cubism to Pop, the Diane Venet Collection” is on view at the Norton Museum of Art through October.

The deadline to submit is June 16.

Moti Ferder stepped down Wednesday and will not receive any severance pay, parent company Compass Diversified said.

Lichtenberg partnered with luxury platform Mytheresa on two designs honoring the connection between mothers and daughters.

Michel Desalles allegedly murdered Omid Gholian inside World of Gold N Diamond using zip ties and then fled the country.

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore shares her favorite looks from a night of style inspired by Black dandyism.

Sponsored by Instappraise

CEO Beth Gerstein discussed the company’s bridal bestsellers, the potential impact of tariffs, and the rising price of gold.

The brand’s first independent location outside of Australia has opened in Beverly Hills, California.

Cathy Marsh will lead the jewelry company’s efforts in the upper Midwest and western United States.

The company has multiple strategies for dealing with tariffs, though its CEO said moving manufacturing to the U.S. is not one of them.

Connecting with your customers throughout the year is key to a successful holiday marketing push.

National Jeweler Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff joined Michael Burpoe to talk tariffs, consumer confidence, and the sky-high price of gold.

Designer Lauren Harwell Godfrey made the piece as an homage to the 2025 gala’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”

Expanded this year to include suppliers, JA’s 2025 list honors 40 up-and-coming professionals in the jewelry industry.

Located in Fort Smith, it’s the Mid-South jeweler’s first store in Northwest Arkansas.

The episode about the family-owned jeweler will premiere May 17.

The Houston-based jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot showroom will include a Rolex boutique.

The turquoise and diamond tiara hasn’t been on the market since it was purchased by Lord Astor in 1930.