When I wrote about the prevalence of opaque gemstones in jewelry design back in January, I made a mental note of jade in particular.
Though I’m head over heels for a rich malachite or milky pink opal, jade offers a versatility unlike other opaque stones, with its rich green, lavender, black, white, and even orange and yellow hues. Jade’s versatility and deep cultural roots could be the reasons that more designers seem to be experimenting with the gemstone and more jewels featuring it are making their way to market.
“Jade has always symbolized protection, prosperity, and longevity in Vietnamese and Chinese culture,” says Jenifer Thai, founder of IO Collective. “It’s deeply tied to family, often passed down as heirlooms for good fortune and strength. All of my jade jewelry has been inherited, making it a deeply personal stone for me.”
Thai explains that jade “was traditionally carved into ornate, symbolic designs that didn’t always resonate with younger generations. Now with more designers reinterpreting jade in sleek, modern forms, it’s become a contemporary luxury—valued not only for its cultural roots but for its versatility, symbolism, and sustainability.
“That’s why I took my grandmother’s jade and redesigned it into something modern— pieces I’d actually want in my daily jewelry rotation,” she adds. “My collection blends tradition with contemporary craftsmanship, making jade more wearable and relevant today.”
Kristina Mason, designer for jade specialist Mason-Kay, tells us her company has been seeing an increase in demand for adjustable bracelets (for men especially), a mix of classic and traditional—”our Pi disc pendants are flying!”—and oversize earrings. In addition, Guatemalan blue green jadeite, which Mason describes as “very translucent and affordable,” is a big seller for the brand right now.
Here are some of the latest jewels in jade, just the pieces you should consider getting in store for spring.
Top: Lotus No. 18 ring in 18k yellow gold with jade, $4,900; IO Collective
