What Kind of Jade Bangle Should I Wear? Jade Really is "Medicine"

These last two months have been a physical and emotional nightmare for me.  Brother needed heart surgery.  Mother in assisted living and going downhill fast.  Husband ill, three doctors, three different diagnosis, he never gets ill but this has lasted six weeks.  One of my best friends suffered an arm injury and hasn't been able to live life as she would like to.  Another best friend dying.  Then I fell outdoors on concrete on my right sided, pain and blood everywhere.  I needed a wheelchair for two days because I couldn't walk.  I have severe osteoporosis and went to emergency room because it felt like I "broke my hip", something my endocrinologist has been lecturing me for years about, me refusing to take osteoporosis injections.  I think I had been so distracted by all my emotional pain I wasn't taking care of myself. 

Early in December, a long time jade loving customer purchased a Burmese jadeite bangle bracelet because it appealed to her so much.  She kept coming back to look at it.   As I packed it for her, I slipped it on my wrist "one more time" because I would have loved to keep it if it were just a couple mm smaller.

And as I sadly took it off and packed, I couldn't believe I was being so dense that I didn't go through my jade bangle bracelet "stash" until I found, and "felt" the right one for me at the time. 

The jade bangle that appealed to me is my Chinese jade carved bamboo jade bangle.  The jade is simple because it's Chinese jade, the qi energy is related to liver meridian for healing.   I know that, but why didn't I put it on weeks ago?

Chinese jade carved "bamboo" bangle bracelet, translucent green color

I slept well for the first time in weeks.  And I got back into my mindfulness, helping me to deal with all the problems going on.

Customers often tell me they find a jade bangle they really like, and keep coming back to it.  That's because your body, mind and spirit knows what you need if you pay attention to your instinct.  I get emails from customers telling me about a difficult situation they had, and that their jade bangle helped.

Jade has qi energy to help balance body, mind and spirit.  It has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries.  When you wear it, touch it, your qi energy and the jade qi energy work together.

So do yourself a favor and find a jade bangle bracelet, pendant or other piece that makes you feel good.   It's not only beautiful, it's medicine you wear.

By the way, if you find a jade bangle bracelet that has a high price, but your body, mind and spirit keep calling to you, contact me through the email address on the web site and make an offer.  I want you to feel good about your jade, and if it's too costly we can do layaway and/or get a discount.  I know how jade feels and helps me feel better, and I treat my customers the way I like to be treated.

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What Kind of Jade to Gift for Holidays

I see a lot of customer browsing activity on the jade web sites, especially during the holidays.  Then I get emails asking what jade makes good gifts. 

Yes, we all love jade bangle bracelets!  But unless you know the inner diameter size of the person, buying a jade bangle can become a disappointment if it doesn't fit.  Disappointing for the receiver, and the giver.   An alternative is stretch jade bead bracelets. 

Ying Yu Jade Rollers, view the selection of styles

Jade Mask for face and eye health

and jade carvings.  Sometimes customers know exactly what they want to purchase, and some customers give me some information about what the receiver likes, and I can suggest recommendations.   These are some of Ying Yu Jade most popular jade carvings being purchased this season.

These jades are also what I give my special family and friends for gifts. 

It's true!   I buy the kind of jade I personally like, and treat customers the way I like to be treated

Have fun shopping!

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What's the "Best Jade Bangle Bracelet" for You?

As I have mentioned in previous posts,  the "best" jade bangle for you is the one that attracts you the most.  It's the jade bangle you see for the first time, it kind of takes your breath away.  You keep coming back to look at it.  It gives you "feelings" inside.  That's the qi energy that works best for you "calling to you".  And that's the jade bangle you will be very happy and healthy wearing.

I often get photos from customers who purchased a jade bangle bracelet, and they are wearing it on their wrist.  Sometimes they are customers who have purchased more than one, perhaps several, jade bangle bracelets.  But when they put their new jade bangle on, they feel like they will never take it off.

The problem I have is that I handle jade bangle bracelets every day.  I get them ready for their photos.  Then we take at least 10, usually 50 or more photos of the more expensive ones.  Then the photos are slightly edited so they show the color and quality as best as possible, and look as much like "the real thing" as possible.  We would rather you be pleasantly pleased when you receive it and see it is so much more pretty than the photo shows, as opposed to being disappointed because it doesn't look as good as the photo.  We never "photo shop" our photos.  That's how we can show how they look.  Then I handle them to describe them as best as possible on the web sites, measuring them carefully and spending about 30 minutes getting each one listed. 

And that's where the problem for me is.  The "small ones", my size, look more pretty as I handle them.  The qi energy of the jade bangle may truly respond to me.   And I struggle listing it to sell, because I want to keep it for myself.  The more I handle it, the more I want it.  And if I put it on my wrist, that's the end of selling it. 

JHBB577 is an example of this "problem".   It's a Burmese jadeite bangle bracelet I purchased in 2002 when I was shopping near the Burma border, directly from the jade carver.  Classic "fu lu shou" coloring, "hong" reddish-honey color, green and white.  Moderately translucent. 

JHBB557 "Old Mine" Burmese Jadeite Bangle Bracelet

When I first purchased it, I couldn't wait to list it.  It was one of the most expensive I bought and I wanted to get it listed and sold.   But a few weeks after I listed it, I decided I wanted to keep it for myself.  So I removed it from the Jade Heaven web site. 

Today I added it again. 

I couldn't fit it in the drawer where I keep my personal jade bangle bracelets without removing one to make space for it.

Within a few hours of listing it, I got an email from a jade seller in Hong Kong who is always criticizing me for selling the "old mine" jadeite bangles too cheap.  He thought it should sell for around $100,000.  Sure, that would be nice, but I really do price my jade cheaper than you would buy it in China.   And there's a statement is ships to USA addresses only, because Chinese and Hong Kong jade sellers really believe some of the prices are too low and they could sell them much higher priced.

I would keep it if I thought I would wear it often.  But most of the time I still wear my "old" carved Burmese jadeite bangle bracelet I "traded" a woman on a train in China for.   This one has the best qi energy for me:   calming, soothing, healing.

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My Day at a Gem Trade Show: What's Going on in the World of Jade

Earlier this month I went to my favorite Gem Trade Show.  Every space of the building is filled with people selling all kinds of gems.   I always go on the first day, and try to be there as it opens because some Chinese gem sellers set aside jade to show me.  But the jade sellers seem to be going out of business because the usual sellers have not been at the past two shows.

But I wander around every area at least three times with my eye out for jade. 

There was a lot of green stone being sold as "jade" that was aventurine quartz,  they had labeled it "aventurine jade".  When I asked if they sold jadeite, I was shown  all kinds of green "stuff" that was certainly not jade.   The most disappointing "jade" I saw for sale was huge boxes filled with "jade" rollers.  They weren't jade, they were plastic!  When I mentioned it to the seller, I was told that it was real jade they ordered from China. 

Classic Chinese Jade Double Roller

Genuine Natural Chinese Jade Acu-Roller for Chinese Medicine

There were a few sellers who were selling real Burmese jadeite, and it was priced much higher than at the last show.  Any jadeite that is green in color and natural, and is well carved is rare, and the price reflects it.   I had an interesting conversation with a Chinese gem seller who does not shop for his jade near the Burma border, like I do, but travels to Guangzhou Jade Market.  He always takes a look at my web sites, and he told me that the same jade bangles I sell are priced higher in China.  He said tourists pay the most, often don't get genuine and natural jade, but pay the premium price. 

I saw the trend toward selling non-jade as real jade a few years after I started selling online, about 15 years ago.  Real genuine and natural jade and Burmese jadeite is special.  It has the good "qi energy" jade is known for it.  It makes you feel good, and when you feel good, the jade looks better. 

"Non-jade" is pretty, but you should get what you think you are buying.

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Jade Bangle Bracelet "Surprise" Taking Care of Jade

My husband and I wait until actual voting day to go out and vote "in person".  We learned from experience that new information often gets revealed just before election day, and we don't want to regret that we voted one way, and wish we had the information to help with our decisions.

We went to our local polling place mid-morning, expecting a long wait in line.  We were pleasantly shocked that the parking lot was quite empty, and we walked right in.  There was only one other person ahead of us when we showed our ID's and got our ballots.  When I reached for the ballot she handed me, she asked if the bangle on my wrist was "jade".  I smiled as I looked at her wrist, and saw she was wearing a jade bangle bracelet, too.  And, oh my, did we both want to talk about jade!  BUT...of course she couldn't because she was working. 

Seeing her wearing a jade bangle bracelet was kind of surprising, because I rarely see local residents wearing jade.  There's a woman who has been a long time customer, starting when I still lived in Ohio.  Then when we moved to Florida,  the Poinciana area, I "recognized" her one day because she was wearing one of the jade bangles she purchased. 

If you live in a hot and sunny environment like central Florida, and south, it's important to take special care of your jade to keep it healthy.  Jade stone is formed underground, often in caves, where it is cool and dark.  The opposite of hot southern weather.  I wear my jade bangle bracelet all the time, indoors and outdoors, in the pool, relaxing in the hot tub.   I don't allow it to be directly in the sun.  And after being in the pool or hot tub, I immediately wash it with soap and pat it dry. Genuine and natural jade will survive well, but if it's color treated, especially when acid is used to enhance the color, the color will fade faster in heat.

The jade I sell is always kept inside our home so the temperature can be kept stable, cool.  And it's kept in "the dark".  That means the closets are full, and under the beds are full of boxes. 

Chinese jade seems to be less sensitive to sun and heat.

Carved Chinese Jade Bangle Bracelet

Burmese jadeite needs to be protected more.  When I shopped for jade in China, I trusted the jade shops that looked like they were closed because they had the main lights turned off.  

Burmese Jadeite

I think jadeite actually looks more pretty when it's on a wrist, which is warm.  If you wear a jade bangle all the time, you probably notice the part that touches your wrist is warm, while the part that doesn't feels very cool when it moves around on your wrist.

If you have valuable jade that you want to keep in good condition,  don't expose it to direct sunlight and heat.  Clean it often.  Polish it with wax, furniture polish when it looks like it needs. 

And of course,  the jade in our online stores is meant for every day wearing.  That's a reason why I keep it "in the dark" for several years before listing it to make sure it's a good quality, genuine and natural.

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How "Old" s My Jade?

A few weeks ago I purchased some jade pieces from and estate sale.  Some of it was easy to identify as Chinese jade.  I tested each piece with refraction testing to determine if it was Burmese jadeite. But it is not easy to determine the age of the jade because there wasn't anyone to discuss it with.

Most of the Chinese jade pieces were small carvings.  I listed them on Ying Yu Jade and most of them sold within a few days of posting.  There are still some carvings available.

Vintage jade horse carving

Vintage estate "what is it?" carving

The most interesting pieces are two Burmese jadeite bangle bracelets.  They don't look new at all.  But they don't have any cracks, scratches or damage to indicate they were worn often.  They appear to be carved from the same jadeite rough.  Here is one of the two that I listed. 

BB2918  Vintage Pre-Owned Burmese Jadeite Bangle Bracelet

A few years ago a woman sent me an email with a photo of a "blue" jade bangle bracelet that she wore to a USA China Town shop.  She was offered $10 for it, but she kept it and did online research, and that's how she found me.  Jade is not easy to photograph and capture how it really looks.  But something made me think it was quite valuable.  I suggested she take it to a gemologist and have it tested to see if it was Burmese jadeite and if it was natural color.  The gemologist she used was not very familiar with jade, so he asked a Chinese person who was very familiar with jade to help him determine the value.  They decided to contact Christie's auction, and they determined that it was worth around a million dollars!  She was was not to sell it for $10.

The two I purchased from the estate sale have a similar appearance.  They are not green, but not really blue either.  Perhaps lavender.  It took about 50 photos to get three that could be lightly edited to look like the "real thing".   This jade bangle and its "sister" look different every time I look at them. As I was handling it, it seemed to be so similar in color the my favorite personal carved jadeite bangle bracelet I wear most of the time.

My Qing Dynast carved Burmese jadeite bangle bracelet on top
BB2918 below it

It's not the same "blue" color as the almost $1 million jade bangle, so I don't have a $1 million price on it.  I love my carved jade bangle shown on top of it.  Mine is very old, probably from the Qing Dynasty as the woman I got it from told me its history as we were riding on a train in China.  She offered to trade the bangle for most of the personal items I was carrying on the train, like my hand bag and the "western" things in it, my cosmetics, and some of my clothes.  I wear it probably 90% of the time.  It's not "perfect" but I love the color, pattern and "feel" of it.  It's so calming and beautiful to wear.

There is something special about vintage, pre-owned estate sale jade.  If you are sensitive to qi energy, you can "feel" if it's right for you.  And you know there is very much history behind it.  

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Crusising with Jade Bangle Bracelets

We started October with a 6 day Caribbean cruise.  I felt hesitant about booking the cruise in May because September is the height of hurricane season, and we usually get some tropical storms as late as November.  We traveled with two other couples who enjoy cruising.  As you may have read in previous blogs, I am considering finding a popular port in the Caribbean to rent a store space for 6-12 months to sell out my jade collection and "retire".   I wanted a chance to see closer ports, in the Mexico area, and this cruise stopped at Grand Cayman and Cozumel.  Unfortunately, those two ports were the worst ones for shopping I have been to.  Usually you can find interesting and rare, possibly hand crafted jewelry, clothes and other souvenirs in the port shops, but most of the shops were related to the cruise line so very commercialized.  We took a taxi to downtown in Cozumel and that's the only place we shopped, but rarely do tourists go there.  So, no:   not moving to the Gulf ports.

The fourth day at sea at night we saw waves hitting the fifth deck and decided to go outside and walk around the ship.  Brilliance of the Seas is a very stable and sturdy ship, and our cruise had been very smooth.  We didn't feel the rocking from the waves.  The wind was 49 mph and waves were crashing around.  I grabbed the black Chinese jade bangle I wear for protection when I travel.  It didn't look safe out there, but I felt safe with my black jade.  I had a feeling a storm was forming because the radar maps showed rainy odd areas prior to the cruise.  When we returned to our home port in Tampa we learned a tropical storm was forming.  Not surprised, because we felt it! 

Today it is officially hurricane Michael, working its way up the Gulf of Mexico and expected to hit land in the Florida panhandle as a category 2 or 3, with rain and winds extending to here in central Florida. 

Did the black jade protect us all?  Probably not, but it gave me the sense of safety and protection, and I enjoyed the rest of the cruise not worrying about the storm attacking us.  Black jade is calming and gives that protection feeling.  There's also a Chinese saying that when a jade bangle bracelet we are wearing breaks, it's because the jade took the impact of the danger and protected the wearer.  Mine didn't break.

I wore a classic round Chinese jade bangle bracelet made by my jade carver in China.  I also have a "luminous" deep deep green jade bangle bracelet, but like the true black jade when I travel.

Black Chinese jade bangle bracelets with qi energy for protection

I also had one of the best acupuncture treatments on board Brilliance of the Seas.  Doctor James did my pulse and tongue diagnosis and his explanation of my body needing more "yin".  The excessive yang has been causing muscle tightness, stress and some anxiety.  I felt much better after the treatment and have slept better since the acupuncture.  Now I know what I need to address to my primary care doctor when I have my appointment later this month.

Many people who wear jade have contacted me to tell me how their jade makes them feel.  Some are surprised that jade really does have qi energy.  And most people intuitively choose the jade that has the best qi energy for them.

 

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What Kind of Jade to Wear: October

During September, it was so hot and humid here in central Florida that I stayed in the air conditioned home and areas most of the time.  But being outdoors, especially at sunset, is what I prefer.  I missed my outdoor time, felt some anxiety and stress.

So I used my time adding new products to the jade websites.   After they were photographed, edited, the jade pieces went in a box where I randomly chose a piece to list.  I pulled out a carved Burmese jadeite bangle bracelet and started listing it on Ying Yu Jade.  It is an oval jade bangle, and I add the two inside diameter dimensions to determine how it would fit like a round jade bangle bracelet.   Then I put it on my wrist to check how it really felt. 

And I have had it on my wrist since that time.

The colors and carving are very soothing, and I love looking at the color pattern and the way it's carved.  This is one of those jade bangle bracelets carved in the very traditional way.  The jade carver examined the stone to determine how to use the colors and jadeite stone variation to get the best result.  Then on an auspicious day, he would do the carving.  It looks like there are some clarification lines on the surface that were incorporated to the entire design. Not damage, just part of natural stone.  The colorful side is the side that is on the top of my wrist and contacts my wrist most of the time.

The white side is on my wrist by the veins.  This area is smooth, not carved except lucky coins and lotus where the white meets the carved colorful area.

As I have stated before, I think most people choose the jade that has the best energy for them.  It's October now, autumn setting in, and this color combination is giving me the calming, soothing and transitional qi energy so helpful.

And I have another special Burmese jadeite bangle bracelet in my (never-ending) collection.

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What Kind of Jade Bangle Bracelet to Wear? The Jade That Helps You Feel Better

Recently a long time jade customer contacted me about what's going on in her life.  Her family suffered a devastating loss, and while they had recovered from the worst of it,  she never really got over it.  The situation would pop up in her life,  and her grief would be overwhelming.  She usually purchased her jade bangle bracelets for the "meaning", and what the jade represented, and wanted some suggestions on what kind of jade would help her heal.

I suggested that she go through all her jade.  Hold each piece and "feel" it.  How holding each piece made her feel.   I hoped that would work for her.

She was drawn to a deep deep green, almost black jade bangle that when you held it to the light you could see the translucence through the edges.  Here is her comment:  "As soon as I put it on I gave a deep sigh as though the body was saying thank you. That was two hours ago now and I am much more grounded. My emotions are calmer and I am not crying. I feel stronger and more able to cope with normal activities." 

This is an example of the kind of jade bangle she was describing.

Luminous deep deep green jade, almost black Chinese jade bangle 60.5 mm flat inside, 13mm wide. You can see the luminosity as light goes through it. The photo shows how it can be seen at the edges that have less jade to block light.  Rare, from Gansu area, traditional use of this jade is to make cups for tea "gaiwan" set. Made from "leftover" jade exclusively for YYJ. Yang qi energy for clearing negativity, protection.

That's why jade bangle bracelets are not only "jewelry".  They have qi energy and if you are receptive to the energy,   your jade is "medicine" as well as a beautiful bangle to wear on your wrist.  

I have a large personal collection of jade bangle bracelets.  When I'm wearing one, my plan is to wear it the rest of my life.  But the reality is that when I'm not feeling "right",  I go through my jade bangles and the "right one" does make itself known.

And I hope your jade bangle bracelet(s) give you the good qi energy "feel" that is helpful to you.

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What's the "Truth" About Jade Yoni Eggs? The Gwyneth Paltrow Jade Egg Debate

Gwyneth Paltrow's promotion of jade "yoni" eggs created a rise in women using the eggs for quite a few reasons.  Today there has been much news about the jade yoni eggs, and Gwyneth settling claims.

So what is the "truth" about jade eggs? 
   1)  Jade eggs have been used by Chinese, Japanese and Asian women for centuries to do kegel exercise to improve vaginal health
   2)  Jade eggs are "Chinese medicine",  using only genuine and natural Chinese jade.
   3)  The size of the eggs are important, because too large eggs cause damage to your pelvic area

Ying Yu Jade was the first seller of jade eggs in USA.  I learned about jade eggs when I was in China learning Chinese medicine.  I was also going through menopause, and had a consultation with a Chinese medicine doctor in Beijing, and what started as a horrible menopause experience, pain, hot flashes, irregular bleeding, was resolved using Chinese medicine for three weeks. 

When the jade eggs started getting popular in USA and western countries, I was surprised to learn that the "new" jade eggs were considerably larger than the approved Chinese medicine sizes.  I tried to promote the information about them, but still received complaints about my too small jade eggs. Consider this, women:  if you have had most of your sex with a man with a large, hard thick penis, then having sex with a "smaller" man will not feel as good, because you have become less sensitive.

Ying Yu Jade set of three jade "yoni" eggs

The medium size jade egg is standard for wellness.  When inserted you perform your kegel exercise for general health and wellness.

The largest jade egg 40mm is helpful after childbirth, or when the vagina is not tight enough to have good sex.  If you want to tighten, start with the large jade egg, and when you can keep it inside easily and push it out at the end of your exercise, then move to the 30mm jade eggs and do your kegel the same way, with your goal being the smallest jade egg 24mm, being able to keep the small one inside.

If you are older, gone through menopause, and your vagina is tight and painful during sex, start with the smallest 24mm jade egg.  Then as you become more moist and less tight, you can use the medium size jade egg, maybe even the largest one depending on your sexual situation. 

Why use jade, not other crystals or made of other materials?   As Chinese medicine, jade is "approved" because jade is often used for health in Chinese medicine, as jade rollers, jade gua sha tools and other jade for health and wellness.  And that jade is Chinese natural jade, not Burmese jadeite.  The best color for the jade eggs for regular use is a light or medium green, that is "yin" and has the best qi energy for women.

You can use jade eggs for the female  vaginal health, and perhaps when you reach your goal of feeling better vaginally, you might decide that your active sex life is healing, and you don't need the jade eggs anymore.  What to do with them?  Add them to your plants so they can have good qi energy, too!

Clearance Jade Eggs and Ben Wa Balls for "plant health"

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What Does My Jade Mean: Monkey, Rabbit, Peach and Dog

Almost every day someone asks about about what jade means.  From the color of jade to the finished product, what jade means is a big question.  Jade carvings and pendants all have "meaning" and today we'll focus on Monkey, Rabbit, Peach and Dog.

Jade "Monkey" and jade "Peach" are very common combinations.  Monkey is symbol of protector and strength, and humor and happy life.  Peach is symbol of yin and woman, and longevity.  Together they are symbol of cleverness and long life.The best color of jade for Monkey and Peach combination pendant is a "good green" color to symbolize strength.  Yes, good green jadeite is more expensive, but this pendant will give you good qi energy for you life.

JHP135 "Monkey and Peach" Burmese Jadeite Pendant

"Rabbit" is also a popular jade pendant.  The rabbit, called in Chinese the Jade Rabbit or the Moon Rabbit, is a companion of the Moon Goddess who never grows old.Rabbits, especially ones with white hair, are also a symbol of longevity in traditional Chinese culture.
The jade rabbit in the pendant below is the best example, as the Burmese jadeite it is carved in is white The jade rabbit in the pendant below is the best example, as the Burmese jadeite it is carved in is white.

"Rabbit Brings Luck and Wealth" White Burmese Jadeite Pendant #JHP109

"Dog" is often gifted to children who like jade pendants and love dogs.  Dog is the symbol of loyalty and honesty. People born in the Year of the Dog  possess the best traits of human nature. They are honest, friendly, faithful, loyal, smart, straightforward, venerable and have a strong sense of responsibility. This is still the Year of the Dog, and it's very auspicious to wear the animal of the year.

"Loyal Honest Dog" Burmese jadeite pendant

Most of the jade pendants we sell have the "meaning" in the description.  We know you want to know "what does my jade mean" and do our best to provide that information.

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Shopping for Jade in China -What an Adventure!

Jade has inspired me tremendously.  The first time I became aware of jade and how helpful it is used in Chinese medicine, I had to learn more....and more.  Previous to my first China venture in 1999, I had purchased a few pieces of jade to wear as jewelry because it was pretty and unusual, my favorite being a jade pendant from HSN online store.  While on the plane to Beijing, I saw flight attendants wearing jade bangle bracelets for the first time, and couldn't keep my eyes off them.

After my basic first trip to China to learn Chinese medicine, tai chi, and some Chinese culture, I decided to return two months later for a Chinese medicine treatment for my life-long fibromyalgia.  I was also starting menopause,  hot flashes so intense I felt like I would melt through Earth!  Three weeks of the herbal medicine the doctor prescribed, and miraculously the menopause was over.  And the gua sha treatment and acupuncture helped the fibromyalgia very much.

I fell in love with Chinese medicine, and jade.

The next summer when I had vacation time from my job, I made a reservation at a hotel in Beijing for another trip.   I asked the hotel if they could provide a Chinese doctor to treat my jet lag and fibromyalgia when I arrived.  The doctor was excellent.  Dr Li and I talked afterwards, and I learned he taught tai chi, the Beijing style their military does.  I told him I had been doing yoga and was a Reiki master, and we both wanted to learn more from each other.  He also arranged for me to go to Dandong to meet a person who worked with jade carvers to make the jade gua sha tools, jade rollers, and other jade healing tools.

We took the 15 hour train ride to Dandong, where I met with Mr. Ma who took us to Xiuyan.  We spent a day exploring the jade carvers, jade suppliers, and I made my first purchases.  The jade tools were made for use by Chinese doctors, not "souvenies" intended for export and commercial use.  So the jade gua sha and other tools were made according to Chinese medicine standards.

I won't tell you how much fun it was hauling all that heavy jade to the airport in luggage and home again!

But more adventure in Dandong.  Dandong is across the Yalu River from North Korea.  There is a bridge that is used for traffic across.  There is also another bridge that was bombed by the USA during the Korean war that is very anti-USA oriented.  I didn't know why both Dr Li and Mr Ma were trying to avoid it for me, but when I went out by myself to look at it, I sure felt the hatred toward us Americans.  They wanted to protect me from that.  Also, it was rare at that time for Americans to visit Dandong.  I asked about the boat ride that was on the Yalu River, and we decided to go. 

Mr Ma and me on the Yalu River with controversial bridge
This photo was taken before I learned you don't smile for pictures

I started the Ying Yu Jade website with the Chinese jade.  It's genuine, natural jade that has been used for centuries in China.  It's not a gemstone, so there are no "certificates of gemology testing" that are included with it.  If you see Chinese jade "with a certificate", be very suspicious because I have seen those mass produced for "foreigners" who want "proof" it's real jade.  And these certificate producers will sell you these certificates for anything green, including the quartz that is often fraudulently sold as "jade". 

Ying Yu Jade

All the items in the photos are Chinese jade except the Burmese jadeite bangle bracelet in the lower right, my personal jade bangle.  This photo is very representative of Ying Yu Jade, the jade roller, gua sha tool with comb, carved "double dragons" black jade bangle bracelet on Dragon, and the Dynasty style carved jade bangle bracelet in the center, that my jade carver made just for Ying Yu Jade.  We went to a government jade museum and saw very old and very new Chinese jade, and I learned a lot through that experience. 

Ying Yu Jade still sells the genuine natural and made to Chinese medicine standards health tools, as well as bangle bracelets, pendants, carvings and more unique items made by my jade carver. Jade selling has changed since I started,  for example jade eggs for kegel exercise for women are now often made too large and can cause health problems instead of what they are intended-vaginal health. If you want the best jade, you know where to shop:  from my jade carver in China, or for less adventure on Ying Yu Jade.

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A Reason Why People Wear Jade: Healing

A few weeks ago I was having a very stressful time due to a very serious illness of one of my family members.  The night before his surgery, I think I was walking in my sleep.  My feet tangled around an area rug, and I fell on a hard floor,  Of course that's when I woke up.  Right shoulder to right knee took a bad hit and I had bruises for almost three weeks.  I must have fallen on both my hands because my wrists were bruised and swollen, too.  My jade bangle bracelet didn't break*.  I took it off my wrist to make sure it wasn't damaged, cracked, and it was in its good condition.

*There's a Chinese saying:  When your jade bangle bracelet breaks while you are wearing, it's because the bangle is taking the injury and saving you from damage. 

I am glad it didn't break, but I feel it wasn't being "loyal" to me.  So in the morning, I looked for a different jade bangle bracelet to wear.

I couldn't get any jade bangle bracelets over my wrist because of pain, swelling, bruising.  I finally got one that was 5 mm larger than my regular size on.  But the hardness of it was very painful.

So I removed it.  And fretted about what to do.  I have been wearing a jade bangle 24/7 since 1999 when I went to China for my first visit and fell in love with jade.

I used to sell magnet and jade 30" long strands that could be worn as a bracelet or necklace.  Now I have only the magnet and pearl bracelets.  But I found the one I kept for myself and wrapped it close to my wrist.  About three days later, my wrist was feeling better, and the bruising and swelling going away.

Ying Yu Jade Magnet and Pearl wrap bracelet / necklace for healing

But it the hardness of my jade bangle bracelet still really hurt my wrist.  I didn't feel comfortable not wearing jade on my wrist, so I took one of the jadeite bead stretch bracelets.  It felt weird at first, but I quickly got used to it.  And it felt very comfortable.  I choose one that had lavender hues because it felt healing and calming. 

Burmese jadeite natural color green, white, lavender hues bead stretch bracelet

Burmese jadeite bead stretch bracelet, soft green with lavender hues for healing

I really like wearing the bead stretch bracelet.  And I really like wearing a jade bangle bracelet.  I decided it's time to wear both together for awhile. 

The lavender jade felt very calming.  I was able to handle the stress of brother's surgery, feel calm about it.  It helped me be more mindful, realizing there's only so much I can do, and I must stay in the present, not worry about past or future.

Jade is just wonderful for healing:  body, mind and spirit.

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The Sad and Often Asked Question : Why Did My Jade Bangle Bracelet Break?

I often get an email from  a jade loving person who is sad because their jade bangle bracelet broke.  And they are looking for a replacement jade bangle.  They often tell me something about their jade bangle bracelet, and ask if I could tell them why it broke.  Last week a woman told me she had her jade bangle bracelet in her pocket, and it accidently fell onto a hard floor and broke.  She concluded it must be "fake jade" because it broke, and jade is supposed to be "hard".

Yes, jade is a moderately hard gemstone.  But even grade A genuine and natural Burmese jadeite will break if it is struck in just the right (or wrong) place. 

There's a Chinese legend that when your jade bangle bracelet breaks, it has protected you from getting hurt or even worse.  And there are physical reasons why it may break.

Jade bangle bracelets will break more easily than jade pendants or smaller jade pieces.  The round shape puts stress on the jade and if struck on a hard surface has a risk of breaking.  The reason I don't have a physical store is because I have personally observed in China jade shops that customers often drop the jade bangle they are trying on, perhaps falling on the counter top or floor.  Chinese jade bangle sellers want to make sure you get the smallest size jade bangle you can wear so it fits close to your wrist comfortably, and that requires using lotions, oils, soapy water to get it on. 

Yes, grade A Burmese jadeite will break.

Classic round style jade bangle also has a higher risk of breaking, again, due to the shape.

Jadeite that is C grade has been bleached with acid, then color added to make them the "good green" and translucent "icy" style.  The bleach makes the jade stone more brittle.   The Clearance section on the JadeBangleBracelets web site has some C grade jadeite bangle bracelets, including the classic round "fu lu shou" jadeite bangle in the photo. 

The Fu Lu Shou three color jade is often worn during holidays because of its meaning: happiness, health and longevity, wealth.  People who wear "real jade" most of the time often like to have one of the fu lu shou style for special occasions, so the prices are relatively low.  The jadeite itself is good quality, but the acid washing has made it less strong.

I have been wear jade bangle bracelets since 1999, my first trip to China and falling in love with jade.  I like to wear one all the time.  When I'm doing "real work", it helps me to be mindful, and I am aware of the bangle.  But yes, I have broken two excellent jade bangles.

Here's a hint if you are an active person looking for a good quality Burmese jadeite bangle bracelet on Ying Yu Jade or Jade Heaven:  check out the Clearance jade bangles, with reason for Clearance price in description of "clarification lines".  It might look like a "crack" inside, but the line formed as the jade was being formed in the earth.  The pressure on the forming jade was extremely high, there was movement, and the clarification line formed.  Now because of the formation, it actually has more strength.  If you see the line running through the circular part of the jade bangle, you know it's a true clarification line.  A crack runs up and down the width of the jade bangle. 

Jade Heaven #8560 grade A Burmese jadeite bangle bracelet with clarification line

If your jade bangle breaks and you are heartbroken, and looking for a replacement, I will be happy to help you find a good replacement.   I still have the "old mine" Burmese jadeite, mined prior to this century if you like the older kind of jade.  If you like newer jadeite, and want a certificate of gemology testing, these are also available.  Contact me with the item number using the email address on the web site, and I will do my best to help you get your next jade bangle.

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What Kind of Jade Bracelets to Wear? Check Out Guan Yin's Style

People often ask me what is the best kind of jade bracelet to wear.  They look at jade bangle bracelets, jade bead bracelets,  silk cord bracelets with jade tied in. 

Everyone has their idea about what they like to wear.  Some people love jade bangle style bracelets, and some people aren't comfortable with the hard jade on their wrist.  They might choose the jade bead bracelets that are easier to wear.

My "altar" in the office started with a small statue of Guan Yin, Buddha of Compassion, sometimes called Kwan Yin and perhaps other Asian names.

Guan Yin is wearing both a jade bangle bracelet and a jade bead bracelet.  And Guan Yin is culturally very old, so the style of wearing both kinds of jade bracelets really does have a history.

I have always liked to wear my jade bangle bracelet on my left wrist, closer to my heart than if I wore it on my right wrist.  My left hand is the non-dominant hand for me, so my jade bangles gets less chance of hitting a hard surface and breaking.   And I love the jade bead bracelets, so I very often wear beads on my right wrist,  it seems "balancing".

Burmese jadeite bead bracelet 

Classic round old mine Burmese jadeite bangle bracelet, slender width

When I was shopping in a local Chinatown several years ago, I walked in a store and right next to me was a life size Guan Yin statue.  She had real jade bangle bracelet on one wrist, and the bead bracelet on her other wrist.  So this seems to be the traditional classic, and spiritual way to wear jade bracelets.

The jade bangle bracelet was classic round and slender, very feminine and comfortable.  All jade bangle bracelets for women were carved round and slender back in the Dynasty days, when women who wore jade were elite and didn't run the risk of breaking jade while doing physical labor.

If you are attracted to the qi energy of jade, wearing one on each wrist will not only be beautiful, but give you a very spiritual "feel".  Try it!

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Jade and Nature: "Cloud of Bliss" Jade Bangle Bracelet

It was time to get a new computer with the most recent technology and features for the jade business.  Transferring all the data, photos, documents for this almost 20 year jade business was very time consuming and frustrating.  The work is still not completed, but I finally got logged into Jade Blogger today! 

Yesterday I spent the entire day working on everything.  When I looked out the window early evening, I saw the sun setting, and I love to walk at sunset.  The sky, trees, lake nearby are my natural "antidepressants" and mood lifters, and it's restoring, relaxing, motivating, and "blissful".  As well as good exercise without being too strenuous at the end of the day.  I often stop, stand still, and feel all the good earth energy cleanse me.  Ahhhh...bliss!

So of course I walked.  As the sun set, the moon was rising in the other direction as I headed home.  It has been raining every day, afternoon and/or evening, so there were white clouds in the sky, some of them puffy.  When I saw the white moon, it looked like one of the clouds.  I stopped, stunned.  The last jade bangle bracelet I listed before walking came to mind.  It is soft green with a "cloud" that felt so blissful as I held it to feel it, measure it, get it listed.  I described it as "cloud of bliss".  And that's what the moon, and clouds in they sky looked and felt like.

"Cloud of Bliss" Old Mine Burmese Jadeite Bangle Bracelet #BB2582

When I got back home, I decided to make the jade bangle a "deal of the day" on Ying Yu Jade.  After holding it again, I was very tempted to keep it for myself.  In fact, I was taking it to my "jade drawer", but the drawer was so packed with my personal jade bangles, that I knew I wouldn't wear it as much as I thought I would and hope it sells before I change my mind!

Jade customers often tell me how wearing their jade has made a difference in their lives.  If you choose a jade bangle bracelet or pendant that really appeals to you, you keep coming back to look at it, and maybe even drool when you see it, that's a sign that the qi energy is right for you.  And wearing your jade "medicine" can help with your qi balance.  It can help you become more mindful, with that piece of jade on your wrist that you feel, touch during the day.  

Genuine and natural jade has been used by Chinese medicine and Chinese people who are culturally attuned to the Chinese medicine even if they use western medicine.  I have heard stories about people who didn't even think about jade until they received a piece,  experienced the "feel" of it, and understand how special it is.  

And that qi feel is how I purchased most of the jade that is sold.  Shopping in China with a Chinese doctor friend, or a Chinese woman I hire to help with language and transportation gives me more insight into the culture of jade, and the qi energy.  Yes, it's "bliss".

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