The Basics: How To Care For Jade
Setting The Context
1. The word “jade” is actually the umbrella term for two specific stones (with two completely different chemical compounds) - jadeite and nephrite!
2. Within these two stones, there are different classifications of jade -- Type A, Type B, and Type C -- with Type A being most natural and untreated. This guide will focus on care tips for Type A jadeite - the primary stone that Choo Yilin has traditionally worked with.
3. There are three key aspects to caring for all fine jewellery: storage, usage, and cleaning. It is important to pay attention to all three aspects when caring for your jade.
1. Pick a safe spot for your jade piece to call home.
Keep it away from places where it could be vulnerable to dropping or unfortunate accidents. A not-uncommon accident would be when a young one would wander over, curiously grab, and unintentionally throw. Avoid an “oops” moments by picking a safe spot.
2. Do not freeze your jade.
There is a myth that putting your jade in the freezer will increase its translucency. There is no scientific reason behind this widely-held belief. In fact, doing so poses a risk of damaging the internal structure of jade -- if liquid (residual, or in the environment etc) seeps through the jade’s porous “skin” and freezes inside the jade, it would expand in volume, put a strain on the crystal structure of the jade. This may in turn cause cracks or breakages to occur.
3. Use a desiccant.
Whilst jade itself is ambivalent to water in the environment, it is recommended to store your jade jewellery piece with a desiccant if it comprises precious metals. This is especially helpful for jewellery kept in environments of high humidity, such as next to a bathroom; in tropical climates, or in homes by the sea etc.
A resilient and hardy gemstone, jade was used in the creation of revered and precious tools and weapons in the neolithic period over 8000 years ago. Having said that, the way that jade is cut for fine jewellery can increase its fragility. As with all fine jewellery - a little bit of love and care can go a long way.
1. Mindfulness does it!
Over the years, customers have shared, amid laughter and tears, hilariously tragic incidents involving everything from violent clapping to the aggressive swatting of flies. The good news is that jade bands can be replaced -- albeit with hassle, and often, not without the loss of the sentimental value attached to the original piece.
It is recommended to wear a rubber bracelet between a jade bangle and other items worn on the wrist -- this includes watches, bracelets, and even other jade bangles. This rubber bracelet acts as a “buffer”, preventing the items from hitting each other, or softening the blow, thereby minimizing harm to the jade’s crystal structure.
Where possible, it may help to take the extra precaution of putting on and taking off your jade pieces whilst comfortably seated. Cushioned surroundings also help to soften the blow and minimise damage in the unfortunate event that the jade piece slips and drops.
Similarly, it is not recommended to put on and take off your jade piece in the shower as water reduces the grip on everything.
2. Know your chemicals
Light contact with most everyday chemicals (such as soap, lotions, perfumes etc) will not damage your jade beyond repair, but they will alter the lustre of its surface over time. As such, we recommend avoiding such exposure wherever possible.
1. Daily Cleaning.
Gently buffing your jade piece down with a clean, lint free cloth after each wear minimises build up of everyday dirt and grime.
2. Deep Cleaning.
For when you feel that the jade piece could do with some extra love. Immerse your jade piece in a bowl of warm, soapy water whilst scrubbing it gently with a soft bristle toothbrush -- a child’s toothbrush would be ideal as its small and gentle bristles may allow for a better reach into the angles and corners of a piece. Buff with a clean, lint free cloth.
3. A short list of Don’ts.
Keep your jade piece away from alcohol or harsh cleaning agents, which will dry it out. Avoid exposure to high heat, as this may change the chemical structure of jade.