Information and history of jade plus a gallery of jade used in antique and vintage brooches. Nephrite and jadeite were used from prehistoric periods for hardstone carving. Jadeite has about the same hardness as quartz. Nephrite is slightly softer but tougher (more resistant to breakage) than jadeite. It was not until the 19th century that a French mineralogist, Alexis Damour (1808-1902), determined that “jade” was in fact two different minerals. Reference: Wikipedia
A Jadeite, Gem-set and Diamond Novelty Brooch, by Margaret Shen The bicycle wheels set with translucent intense green jadeite discs, the larger measuring 18.2 x 18.4 x 2.9mm, accented by brilliant-cut diamonds and circular-cut rubies, diamonds approx. 1.30cts total, signed, length 5.0cm Accompanied by a HKJSL report stating that the selected natural colour fei cui (jadeite jade) has no resin detected.
Sold for HK$ 27,500 (£ 2,636) inc. premium
Brooch; in the form of a ‘bonsai’ tree in a pot; white gold, enamelled and set with diamonds, carved jade and minute onyx beads; in the original leather case; labelled on the silk inside the lid with maker’s mark.
Made by Ernst Paltscho circa 1920
Reference: © The Trustees of the British Museum
Carved Brown Jade, Glass and Hardstone Horse Brooch, Iradj Moini Signed Iradj Moini, one stone missing.
Sold for $531 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle New York in 2018
18kt gold and jade dragon brooch 1950/60ies peso 18,4 with antique brilliant cut diamond eyes and jade section carved with floral pattern
Sold for €850 at Colasanti Casa D’Aste in 2018
Jade, onyx and diamond brooch, Boucheron The surmount designed as a stylised horseshoe carved in onyx, accented with circular- and single-cut diamonds, supporting an oblong carved jade, signed Boucheron, French assay and maker’s marks, case stamped Boucheron.
Sold for 52,500 CHF at Sothebys in 2017
A Jade and Diamond Brooch / Pendant. 14 karat yellow gold round brooch / pendant contains 21 jade beads, each containing a gold bezel with one diamond inside within a triangular mounting. Reverse bears a pin closure and double bail for use as a pendant Diameter: 3″ Wt: 59.7 grams
Sold for $1,800 at Susanin’s Auctions in 2018
