Earth Day-Yoga Day-Taiji (Tai Chi) Day and Barbara Bush's Pearl Necklace

It's Earth Day, international Yoga Day and Qigong and Tai Chi Day.  And I'm celebrating with body, mind and spirit practice.

I started with yoga this morning, then at 10 AM did taiji (tai chi) because that was the designated time for around the world.  And I did my yoga and taiji on our open screened porch.  It became very spiritual as I listened to the abundant birds that are here now and felt very connected to Earth.

Of course my jade bangle bracelet "glowed" with qi energy as I was absorbed in my practices.  The Burmese jadeite bangle bracelet I've been wearing since our weather turned "summery" it white with apple and imperial green veins, very yin and yang balancing.

My classic round and slender Burmese jadeite bangle bracelet

Yesterday was Barbara Bush's funeral and "wear your pearls" day.  Did you know that Barbara's pearls were not "real"?  She wore the three strands close to her neck to hide wrinkles.  Even though she was a very down-to-earth person, she still had her preferences for her overall appearance.  The necklace I wore was one I had made in Beijing's Pearl Market quite a few years ago.  I carried some around with me during the day, and when women told me how beautiful it was, I was able to offer them one to purchase.

JPNeck-650 Jade and Pearls Necklace

There are still quite a few for sale on Ying Yu Jade.  Some with jade, some all pearls.  And they are "real", genuine and natural pearls.  The Beijing Pearl Market is a huge building near Temple of Heaven, and when I went to Beijing, I always went to Pearl Market.  The pearl sellers would help me design a style, then they called in their  "workers" who made them up for me while I shopped on the other floors of the Pearl Market place.

I'm getting ready to take a long walk through the nature area.  It's a very satisfying way for me to celebrate Earth Day.

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An Option for a Too Small Jade Bangle Bracelet

The previous blog focused on getting a too small jade bangle bracelet on your wrist with the least amount of pain. 

But sometimes you just cannot get your jade bangle bracelet on. 

Some customers told me they are shopping for a new jade bangle bracelet because the jade bangle they wear every day is getting too small for their body changes in their wrist area.  And sometimes women who wear their jade bangle bracelet all day, every day for years need to have a procedure, perhaps medical, that requires removal of their jade bangle bracelet, and they have to get the bangle cut off because it won't go over their wrist.

I learn from my experiences with other people about what can happen to the body as it ages.  When I heard about jade bangle lover's "too small" experiences, I became aware that my hands also are getting arthritic, and I started planning ahead for what I might need.  I purchased three jade bangle bracelets that have been cut, and clasps added.

Three Burmese jadeite bangle bracelets with clasps

There are different kinds of clasps on these.  The round jadeite bangle bracelets have gold clasps with a chain to protect the clasp part that opens:

Burmese jadeite bangle bracelets with gold clasps

The "modern" flat inside jadeite bangle has a sterling silver clasp with an insert, and I have found it to be more secure:

Burmese jadeite bangle bracelet with sterling silver clasp

Another reason why women might want the clasp option is to get the very smallest jade bangle on their wrist so the bangle won't move around and bump tender, arthritic areas:

Jade bangle bracelet with clasp fitting right on the wrist

There are some problems you may encounter when you look for a jeweler to cut your jade bangle in half and add a clasp.   Some jewelers will not do it, perhaps because they don't know how to work with jade.  And the cutting process may cause the entire jade bangle bracelet to break.

But the biggest reason for not cutting and clasping is it changes the jade bangle.  None of the three jade bangles with clasps shown in the photos have high "chime", although they are genuine and natural Burmese jadeite.  It's like the qi life goes out of the jade.

These three jade bangles are my personal jades. The bangle with the sterling clasp is  51mm, and the other two are 56-57mm.  I don't wear them now, but I look at them, touch them often.  I did not have a jeweler cut the jade and make the clasp for me, I purchased them "as is".  And I took them to jewelers to find a jeweler who was willing to cut and clasp regular jade bangles, but no one was willing to do it. 

These aren't for sale on the web site.  I don't know what my hands, arthritis are going to feel like as I age, so waiting to see how "life" goes, whether to keep or sell them.   The small bangle with the sterling clasp really feels good, there's a lot of jade in it, it's thick from inside to outside (probably to keep it strong for cutting and clasping) and I love the heavy feel of it fitting right on top of my wrist. 

Cutting and clasping a jade bangle is an option,  and if your proceed be sure the jade bangle you are changing to a clasp is strong, has a lot of jade in it, thick inside to outside, like the Burmese jadeite bangle bracelets with certificates, the "newer" jade.  These are strong and grade A best quality new jade available.

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Help! My Jade Bangle is Too Small and it Hurts to put it on My Wrist

When customers receive their new jade bangle bracelet, and let me know how much they like it, sometimes they are very sad they can't get it on their wrist.  The "newer" Burmese jadeite bangle bracelets, the ones with certificates of gemology testing, sometimes feel like they are 1-2mm too small.  I respond with a link to suggestions for putting on your jade bangle bracelet when it seems like it is too small and hurts the wrist.


Most customers finds this works, and are happy again.

If you have wrists that are tender, wearing a jade bangle that fits as close to the wrist as possible minimizes the contact with the bone are at the base of the thumb.  For women who have arthritis or other pain conditions, the jade bangle moving on or over that part need extra help.

A long time "jade sister" and customer sent me an email with helpful information:
"I have a new way of putting on my bangles that might help other clients that have the frail skin like me.  I always use a plastic bag, usually, the plastic newspaper sleeves as they are more narrow.  But I add an additional step.  Part of the problem with my skin and putting on bangles is if the skin moves or is stretched even with a plastic bag that can cause it to bleed under the skin.  So, I take saran wrap.  I fold my thumb and little finger under my hand to make my hand as narrow as possible, then I put saran wrap on as that holds the skin tight and adds protection.  Then I put my hand in the plastic newspaper sleeve and put my bangle on.  No injuries that way."

If you are like me, send her a mental "thank you" when you use the technique.  Very helpful for getting on the smallest jade bangle bracelet you can wear with the least amount of pain.

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Jade and Gemstones: Is My Jade Real? Is the Color Natural?

I really like earrings and pendants made from mother of pearl, and moonstone. I like the white spiritual color and "feel" of those stones.    I've bought  a few pieces of each over the years.  And they go good with jade. .  For some reason, I tend to lose an earring, wait a few weeks to try to find, then order another pair.  Last week I lost a moonstone earring, from a pair I've had for quite a few years.  I decided to search through my jewelry box(es) to find another pair I hadn't worn for awhile.  When I found them, the moonstone was dark and looked quite awful.  I bought them on HSN and assumed they would be "real" and good quality.

HSN has a disclaimer on most of their gemstones: "Gemstones and pearls are sometimes treated to enhance their natural beauty."    On jade, they have the notice: "Usually dyed and/or heat-treated to enhance color; occasionally wax-coated to enhance appearance."  

That last statement gives the impression that jade "usually" is treated in some way. 

That is probably true on most commercial web sites. On Amazon, EBay, Etsy I note that most is color treated.  And I previously posted that was the case in Macy's stores.  

Not on Jade Heaven.  

Yes, you can get your jade cheaper on those kinds of sites and stores.  And the treating of the jade does make it look beautiful.  And there's nothing wrong with treated jade.  But you should know all the facts about what  you are getting.

This week I had quite a few emails from people who told me about how their jade had changed over time.  They were unhappy about it, and didn't know why.  

Like I was unhappy the moonstone earrings I wanted to wear were obviously treated, but it was not stated when I bought them.  

But the jade, moonstone, are still "real" even if treated.

I inform people that the only way to know for sure if your jade is grade A genuine and natural is to get it tested by a GIA gemologist, or buy from a business you trust.

Like Jade Heaven.

I offer a guarantee that the jade is as described.  If you get it tested by a GIA gemologist and it is not natural color, you get refunded.   I bought most of the jade I sell in China, on long, hard shopping trips near the Burma border, so I can buy directly from jade carvers.  Also, the jade I buy from the carvers is usually not for export, it's cherished and sold to Chinese people because they want good quality, genuine and natural.

This "ring of sisters" is a lot I purchased from a jade carver 12-13 years ago.  He followed our bargaining sale with a tea ceremony.

 And if you really are concerned about buying genuine and natural jade, these jade bangle bracelets have certificates of Chinese gemology testing.  

#746 Burmese jadeite grade A bangle bracelet with certificate of gemology testing
The label inside matches the certificate

When I first started selling jade online in 2000,  I was one of the first jade lovers in USA to sell jade.  Most of the jade was sold on EBay from China.  If I had known there would be so many dishonest jade sellers now, I would have got certificates of gemology testing on all the jadeite I bought in China.  The GIA certificate testing costs $100-200 but I got certificates on the "China's Favorite" Grade A with Certificate Collection for a much lower price, so I can sell them for a decent price.  

If you are a jade lover, you are probably intuitive, informed about jade to make good decisions on your purchases.   But like I got color treated moonstone earrings, you do have to be careful.

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Wearing Jade for Happiness, Health and Wellness - How to Buy Jade

It's often difficult choosing your special jade.  On Jade Heaven and Ying Yu Jade there are so many good jades that sometimes you want them all!  But the reality is that you probably can't (unless you would like to purchase the web site!).

I encourage people who are having trouble choosing their jade to keep looking, and notice how you "feel" about the pieces you like.  Some may appear more desirable to you.  And some might make you feel that it's just right for you.  Most of the descriptions of the jade pieces include descriptions of the carvings, symbols.  Jade carvings, pendants have cultural symbols that can be meaningful as well as enjoyable.  And the colors of jade, according to Chinese medicine, related to the meridians of the body: heart, lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys.
So if you wear "jade as medicine", that's a good excuse to buy jade for your "medicine chest".

NJ2509 Chinese "River Jade" Bangle Bracelet with qi energy for Healing

People who buy jade just because they like it also get an indirect "good feeling" from the jade qi energy.  It makes you happy to wear jade!  And happiness is good for you. Maybe it's a "placebo", but it still is good for you.

So enjoy shopping for your jade.  Choose what works best for you.  If you find that it's not what you expected, request an exchange.  I treat customers the way I want to be treated and will do my best to help you get the jade that works best for you.

After all, I live and work in my "jade room" office.  And I know how good being surrounded by jade makes one feel.

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Here's a Tip for Taking a Break with a Jade Roller

I took my annual vacation at a time of the year that was not compatible with a jade business.
Valentine's Day, then the start of Chinese Lunar New Year means jade lovers are ready to buy their new jade either for themselves or a gift for a special person.  And since jade purchases this time of year have significance, customers want more information about the jade they are buying, and the qi energy of the jade for their purpose.

(I know, I know, I'm making an excuse for not working of this blog for almost two weeks!)

One of my major goals selling jade is customer service.  I want to answer your questions quickly and satisfactory.  And I can do a better job by email rather than phone conversations.  The business phones are strange to use, and I do get a better "feel" for what you want to know when it's in email format, sometimes when a photo is included so I can get a better idea of the issue.  And I want to get your order shipped as soon as possible, especially if you pay for upgraded shipping method.  On mornings when I wake up and see orders placed overnight, I set everything else aside to get them packed and ready for my daily postal pickup. 

And all of this takes place in my home office, a bedroom converted to office and storage for all this jade. 

I keep a small jade roller on the desk. 

Ying Yu Jade Small Roller for Face, Neck and More

When I stop to think about something, or make a decision,  sit for awhile and use the small jade roller on my face.  When I concentrate, I tend to "frown" and I have wrinkle marks in my "frown" area.  I roll the jade over this area, then across my eyebrows, then cheeks and round my lip area.  If my neck feels tight, I roll that area, too. It's very relaxing.  But the best part is that it seems to open my mind to new, better ideas.  There's the helpful process of rolling, as well as the qi energy of the jade.  Green jade is the classic color in Chinese culture as well as Chinese medicine, with qi energy for body, mind and spirit wellness.

I keep a couple jade rollers on my bedside stand and use them throughout the day and to unwind and relax at night. They are small enough to put in a pocket or handbag and take with you on those days when you know are going to be challenging. 

Our precious jade!  Not only beautiful, but "medicine" for our body, mind and spirit.

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Always Wear Your Black Jade When You Travel (or at least take it with you!)

We're back to "life as normal" again after a 10 day cruise, Mardi Gras celebrations for two days, Valentine's Day and now Chinese New Year of the Dog.

And this is the first time I traveled and didn't wear my "black" deep deep green jade bangle bracelet for protection.  I am paying the price.

"Black" deep green carved jade bangle with bead "spacer" and one of my regular jade bangle bracelets

I usually wear the carved dragon "black" Chinese jade when I travel for protection from people and things, and negativity.  I didn't realize that it wasn't in my handbag until we were on the road to Miami for the cruise ship.  Since this flu season is making so many people ill, I intended to wear it.  Surprisingly, not many people on the ship got ill or had the flu.  So I thought everything would be OK.  And it was, until the bus ride back home.  A man behind me coughed and sneezed for the 4+ hours we traveled.  My fingers itched to that "black" jade bangle.

When we arrived home, our community had a Mardi Gras party, huge dinner, and "crowning" of a new king and queen for the Mardi Gras parade and party the next day.  It was so much fun.  But Valentine's Day started out bad because I started sneezing and coughing.  And I kick myself for not having that jade bangle in my handbag, where I usually keep it. 

Coincidence?  Or does black jade really protect?   Black jade's protective qualities have been cherished by many for centuries.  It has been known to have powers of purification and discharging negativity.  And I love it, think it is beautiful.

And I better not forget it keep it nearby in the future.  I am surely paying the price.

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