Page 118 - 18 KARATI GOLD&FASHION 220

Jade Treasures
“...jades are as soft, smooth and shiny as benevolence; as strong, compact and beautiful as intelligence; as sharp at the edges, without being cutting, as justice; as brilliant and luminous as purity; their defects, which always show themselves in transparency, bring to mind sincerity; its iridescent splendour represents Paradise and the long and clear notes it emits when shaken are heavenly music...”
Confucious, Chinese philosopher (551-479 BC)
Symbol of the worship of sky and earth, jade is a gem which has held a deep significance since the remotest of time in the cultural panorama of ancient civilisations, both in the religious ritual and in Oriental philosophies. The prevalence of this powerful influence occurs primarily in Asia, in particular in China, where jade has been the protagonist in the creation of artistic artefacts and as a precious complement of weapons and armoury. During the Shang (XVI - I century BC) and Zhou (770-256 BC) dynasty the swords and the halberds in jade were considered the greatest symbol of power. 9000 years ago in China, jade was known by the term Yu, “the most precious thing” and was considered a holy stone, seen as the union between the living essences of the sky and earth. The preponderant role of this stone has made jade and jade jewels
Dall’alto: sautoir in oro giallo 18 Kt, con pendente staccabile in giada intagliata, rubini cabochon ovali, zaffiri cabochon rotondi, indossabile come due bracciali, circa 1972, firmata David Webb; spilla in giadeite incisa, oltre 150 diamanti tondi, oro; anello composto da giada centrale taglio cabochon e diamanti taglio circolare, oro giallo e bianco 18 Kt, circa 2000, firmato Vhernier.
From above: 18 Kt yellow gold sautoir, with detachable pendant in carved jade, oval cabochon rubies, round cabochon sapphires, wearable as two bracelets, approx.1972, signed by David Webb; brooch in carved jadeite, more than 150 round diamonds, gold; ring composed of a central cabochon cut jade and circular cut diamonds, 18 Kt yellow and white gold, approx. 2000, signed by Vhernier.