Jade mineral

Jade nephrite

   Jade is a name given to two minerals of different composition but having in common the qualities of toughness and compactness which makes them susceptible of being easily carved. One of these min¬erals is nephrite, a variety of hornblende. It is found in white and in various shades of green. The other is jadeite, a silicate of aluminum and sodium. This is much the handsomer of the two. It is translucent, and is found in shades from creamy white to delicate green.
   Jade was used by prehistoric races for ornaments, weapons, and various utensils, specimens of which have been found among the relies of the lake-dwellers of Switzerland, and of other primitive peoples. It is believed that the Jade was brought to Europe, however, as it is not found native to that country, but in the Far East. The best-known locality for jade is eastern Turkestan. The Chinese and Japanese use it largely for carved vases and bowls, for boxes and for various kinds of jewelry. They also use it in making implements.
   The word jade is from the Spanish and is part of a phrase meaning "stone of the side," so named because of a belief that this mineral would cure pain in the side, or colic.

Jewellery - some facts

Jewellery, or jewelry, refers to the costly personal ornaments of gold, silver, enameled ware, and the like, usually adorned with precious stones. As produced today it consists chiefly of ma-chine-made articles, often beautiful in design but lacking the artistic touch seen in the handmade ornaments of ancient and medieval times. Of late years such schools as Pratt Institute, New York, whose students in the department of fine arts have produced very beautiful hand-made Jewellery, have done much to revive the art of Jewellery making. This is a commendable step, for its proficiency in the art of making Jewellery is a test of a nation's artistic development. A jeweler must produce the largest amount of beauty within the smallest space.

   The use of jewellery is as old as civilization. Some of the ancient Egyptian work resembled greatly the Chinese cloisonne of today; that of the ancient Greeks was notable for its purity and simplicity; while that of the old Romans was more ostentatious but of less exquisite workmanship. The Renaissance produced masters in Jewellery-making as it did masters in every other art. Foremost among these great jewelers were Benvenuto Cellini and Albrecht Dürer.

   The modern period is characterized by a simpler and more graceful method in mounting gems and in the designing of jewelry. During the nineteenth century the diamond was the stone in high favor; now it has made way for the pearl. For many years the jewelers of London and Paris, and the gem-cutters of Holland held first place, but now American workers have won a name abroad. The quantity of gaudy Jewellery sold today is an unfortunate reflection on popular taste. Nothing bespeaks poorer judgment as to the eternal fitness of things than the wearing of such spurious jewelry, unless it be expensive jewelry worn out of place.

What is jasper?

Jasper pebble

   Jasper is a stone used for decorative purposes. Different varieties differ in color; it is found in dark green, grayish blue, brownish black, and reddish brown. Like jade it can be beautifully polished, and is used for vases, small boxes, belt pins, and like articles. It is also in demand for pillars, table tops and interior finshings. Owing to its strength, jasper is frequently used for the walls of buildings. Agate jasper is jasper in layers with chalcedony; this variety is also known as ribbon jasper; the yellow and brown varieties are known as Egyptian jasper.

   Jasper is found in many parts of the United States, the most generally known quarries being at Pipestone, Minnesota, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and several places in Colorado.