Friday, March 22, 2013

Jewels of Heaven - Jade by Nikolai

Throughout China and beyond, Jade has been revered for centuries.  This 'living stone' is believed to possess an aura of eternity and remains an object of enduring beauty and mystery.  Officially named in 1863, by French chemist Augustine Alexis Domour, the literal translation is 'Stone of Heaven'.   




Burmese Green jadeite carved dragon band "Guidance in the right direction, Spirit of Change." 

 

18k White Gold F/VS Baguette Diamonds 1.61ct & 1.70ct each, eternity bands, $7250.

 


Burmese Icy Jadeite Polished Band "True Harmony"

 

14K White Gold G/VS round Diamond 2.50 ct prong set eternity bands, $8000.

 

Nikolai Tsang is a skilled artist and jadeite expert, who works purely with natural, untreated Burmese jadeite, in 9 rare and beautiful colors.   Born into a family of jewelers, she worked with jadeite her entire life from rough form to carve, polish and finish. Following graduation from Los Angeles Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, she opened 'Jade by Nikolai' in Honolulu, overseeing the creation of exquisite handmade contemporary jadeite jewelry.   

 

Nikolai has risen to success internationally, by carefully observing traditional asian motifs, whilst also incorporating more universally acknowledged imagery, such as flowers, butterflies, dragons and nature.  



Nikolai is also an educator on all things Burmese jadeite; the history, cutting and carving techniques, symbolism, healing properties and colors. She devotes time, expertise and resources to overcome the mystery surrounding the gem and make a difference to people's lives.


 

One-of-a-kind Earrings!

 

Burmese Green Jadeite carved Medium Lace cut through earrings, loaded with Diamonds set in 14K White Gold,  $7500. 

 
 

Dragon Ring - Jade by Nikolai

 


Similar to a diamond, jadeite value can be measured by Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat. 



CUT  Gemologists study symmetry and smoothness in carved jadeite.   Carving is meticulous work and a notoriously difficult technique.  COLOR  There are 9 colors of Burmese jadeite - red, purple, orange, green, yellow, blue, black, gray and white. Gemologists examine rareness, brightness, saturation and balance.  Often referred to as a 'living stone', color can intensify over time, as it is handled and worn.  Traditional carving techniques for color separation and adding Yin and Yang color principles for 'optimum positive energy' also add significant value.  CLARITY  Graded from opaque to highly translucent/transparent.  More transparent = More valuable.  CARAT  Weight of stone + above measurements = value.

   

Calculating the true value of jadeite jewelry is, however, more complex and requires training, knowledge and extensive experience. Jadeite is known to draw out impurities from the soul and bring longevity, love, wealth, health and good luck to the life of the bearer. It is also believed to energize and invigorate the spirit and bless the path that leads you through life.





 
 

"There are 6 billion people on the planet, and 5.9 billion of them going to bed every night starving for one honest word of appreciation".

Nikolai Tsang

 

I am thrilled to be showcasing Nikolai Tsangs beautiful pieces as part of my Spring 2013 collection.



Embrace and enjoy.

 


Shannon

 



 



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