What Is the Meaning of a Jade Bracelet?

PDF download Download Article
Plus, tips on identifying real jade from an expert jeweler
PDF download Download Article

Jade is a gemstone that many cultures around the world value for its beauty, transparency, and smooth texture. Many of those same cultures believe that wearing a bracelet made of jade is heavy with spiritual meaning and symbolism. Come with us to unearth the different meanings of jade bracelets , explore a rainbow of jade colors , and discover the benefits of wearing this stunning fashion accessory—and so much more! Plus, we'll also share how to tell if your jade bracelet is real with expert tips from jeweler Jerry R. Ehrenwald.

What does a jade bangle bracelet symbolize?

Jade bracelets have many meanings, including good luck, longevity, wisdom, prosperity, healing, purification, and protection. Different jade colors are also believed to have their own special meanings and benefits for the wearer. For example, blue jade signifies calmness, whereas red jade represents passion.

Section 1 of 9:

Jade Bracelet Symbolism

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Jade bracelets may bring good luck, longevity, and wisdom to the wearer. Some people believe that jade symbolizes positive energy. They may wear jade in the form of a bracelet (or another type of jewelry) to bring them luck, prosperity, and wisdom, as well as long life.
    • In Chinese lore, jade is commonly referred to as "the stone of heaven" and was once highly prized by Chinese royalty and nobility. As such, only the most skilled craftsmen were allowed to shape it into objects for the wealthy to use. [1]
  2. 2
    Jade bracelets also symbolize healing and purification. Ancient cultures in China and South America believed that jade healed and purified the body. Its name, which comes from the Spanish phrase piedra di ijada , means "stone of the pain in the side" and refers to how Mayan and Aztec peoples would hold pieces of jade up to their sides to draw out and relieve any pain they were experiencing. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. 3
    A jade bracelet can also represent protection. In ancient China, mourners often buried jade amulets or objects with their dead. They believed it protected the deceased from decomposition and evil spirits. Some people (especially women) with Chinese or Vietnamese ancestry still wear jade bracelets today to ward off bad energy. [3]
    4. Advertisement
Section 2 of 9:

Jade Bracelet Colors & Their Meanings

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Green jade bracelet Green (in emerald, light, and pale shades) is the most popular jade color. In 18th-century China, an emerald, translucent variation called Imperial jade signified the wealth and power of the upper classes. Today, wearing a green jade bracelet in any hue is said to bring prosperity and good fortune to the wearer. Some people also view this color as calming and soothing, which fits with the concept that jade encourages positive energy. [4]
  2. 2
    Purple or lavender jade bracelet Jade in hues of purple and lavender is second only to Imperial jade in value. [5] It's said that wearing purple jade can promote spiritual growth, purification of the spirit, and wisdom. [6] You may want to wear a purple jade bracelet if you're going through a big life change, like starting (or ending) a relationship, moving to a new place, or improving your lifestyle.
    • Next to green, lavender jade is the most highly valued in today's market. [7]
  3. 3
    Pink jade bracelet Pink jade is believed to purify your spiritual aura and heal your emotional wounds. If you're trying to move on from a breakup or recovering from relationship trauma (like with your parents, siblings, or a friend who betrayed you), wear a pink jade bracelet to bring love and harmony back into your heart. [8]
  4. 4
    White jade bracelet White jade was a color favored by Chinese emperors. The royals had their artisans craft all kinds of objects with it, including seals, urns, cups, figurines, and many more. [9] Today, this shade is associated with clarity and focus. [10] You may want to wear a white jade bracelet when you go to work or class so it can help you concentrate.
  5. 5
    Red jade bracelet Red jade's fiery color is associated with passion and courage. Someone who wears a red jade bracelet may feel more motivated to be brave and achieve their goals. They might also feel more alive and vibrant, and ready to take on whatever life throws at them. [11]
  6. 6
    Blue jade bracelet If you feel the need for calmness, peace, and reflection in your life, try wearing a blue jade bracelet . While red represents fire and passion, blue represents water and all the tranquility that comes with it. It's a good idea to wear blue jade when you're feeling stressed or anxious. [12]
  7. 7
    Orange jade bracelet Orange jade is associated with creativity and energy. [13] Wearing an orange jade bracelet can help you feel more inspired when you're working on a work or school project and when you're pursuing your personal interests. Put it on when you're painting, writing, brainstorming, or doing any creative activity.
  8. 8
    Black jade bracelet Are you feeling afraid, vulnerable, and pulled in too many directions? If so, you may benefit from wearing a black jade bracelet . This dark color may appear ominous, but it signifies protection from spiritual enemies. It may also help the wearer feel more grounded, so they can make wiser decisions and multitask. [14]
  9. 9
    Yellow jade bracelet The yellow jade bracelet is known for promoting optimism, light, and peace, along with rejuvenation and tranquility. It's the ideal accessory for brightening your day and warming your soul with its positive energy. [15]
    10. Advertisement
Section 3 of 9:

Benefits of Wearing a Jade Bracelet

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Jade bracelets may bring good luck and positivity into your life. When you wear a jade bracelet, especially a green one, great things can happen. You may find that your life is suddenly filled with positivity, and all your decisions turn out better than you hoped. You may even experience small, random moments of good fortune, like finding a $5 bill on the ground, snagging front-row tickets to a concert that's selling out quickly, or stumbling on an amazing shopping deal. [16]
  2. 2
    They may also imbue you with prosperity and longevity. Wearing a jade bracelet can make you experience prosperity and a sense of life like never before. You may find yourself getting healthier and livelier with age. You may also be blessed with upturns in your finances, a boost in your fertility, and other amazing life changes.
  3. 3
    Jade is also said to protect you from evil spirits, bad luck, and negative energy. Demons, evil spirits, negative vibes, ill luck—none of it stands a chance against the protective aura of your jade bracelet. Wearing this piece of jewelry can help you feel more confident to go about your daily life without worrying that someone or something will bring down your mood or ruin your good time.
  4. 4
    They may also help you to stay calm and make wiser decisions. When you're calm, you have the clarity and peace of mind to make choices that are in your best interest. Wearing a jade bracelet can help you release stress and anxiety, harness your inner serenity and harmony, and navigate critical decisions with a balanced perspective. [17]
  5. 5
    Jade bracelets may also revitalize your passion and creative energy. Need a pick-me-up? Let your jade bracelet do the heavy lifting and reignite your passion for living life to the fullest. The jade may also help you tap into the creative side of your brain and get the juices flowing. Who knows what incredible ideas, artwork, and stories you'll create when you've got a jade bangle on your wrist or ankle!
    6. Advertisement
Section 4 of 9:

How to Tell If a Jade Bracelet Is Real

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Real jade has interior irregularities, doesn't scratch, and feels cool to the touch. There are a lot of green bracelets out there that manufacturers claim are made out of jade. Sadly, many of them are made of simulants: stones like calcite, chalcedony, malachite, or quartz that look similar to jade but have different chemical and mineral compositions. [18] To check if a jade bracelet is real , follow Ehrenwald's expert tips:
    • Check the interior to see if it has veins or other irregularities . "Any irregularities, such as fibrous veins," says Ehrenwald, may indicate the jade is legitimate. If you see any bubbles, though, that's probably a sign it's "not natural."
    • Gently scratch the jade's surface with scissors . According to Ehrenwald, "If the scissors left a mark that cannot be wiped off, then you know your jade is not authentic."
    • Check the temperature of the jade bracelet . "Hold the stone in your hand and see how it feels," says Ehrenwald. "Jades are naturally ice cold and take a while to warm up. If it heats up pretty quickly and doesn’t feel very cool when holding it, then your jade is most likely a counterfeit."
    • Send it to an accredited gemologist if you still have doubts . If you want to be 100% sure your bracelet is made of real jade, sending it to an expert is your best bet. "An accredited independent grading laboratory such as IGI [the International Gemological Institute] can analyze the stone and provide a report that clearly states whether the stone is natural or synthetic," says Ehrenwald. The laboratory will also provide other details "describing its shape, cut, weight, measurements, color, and major optical characteristics."
  2. 2
    Real jade costs hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Don't be fooled by ads for jade bracelets that only cost $10 or $20. While it's perfectly okay to get those bracelets for aesthetics if you want to, know that they're not made of real jade. A bangle made of authentic but low-quality jade might cost as little as $100. But if you want high-quality, prepare to pay a lot more. Most fine, genuine jade bracelets sell for at least $500-$1000, and many for more than $10,000!
    3. Advertisement
Section 5 of 9:

Using Jade Bracelets in Modern Times

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Spiritualism In spiritualism, people wear jade bracelets to tap into their heart chakra, one of the 7 chakras that hold spiritual energy in the body (according to Hinduism). It is said to bring the wearer peace and help them access their compassion. The jade bracelet may also help balance the mind, body, and spirit, especially during meditation. [19]
  2. 2
    Fashion Jade bracelets are an old-fashioned but still timeless fashion accessory. Because they're available in so many colors, it's easy to match them to your outfit, no matter the season. If you can't afford real jade, not to worry! You can get the same aesthetic with stone that simulates jade or opt for budget-friendly plastic.
  3. 3
    Cultural acknowledgement Wearing a jade bracelet is an important tradition that many modern Chinese and Vietnamese still honor today. Women who want to follow these traditions may put on a jade bracelet as teenagers or younger adults and then never take it off. It's a small but significant way for them to acknowledge their culture and family history. [20]
  4. 4
    Family heirlooms Jade bracelets are sometimes passed down from mothers to daughters in a family. [21] These types of heirlooms are precious not just because they're made of an expensive stone, but also because they were worn by previous generations of women—sometimes going back decades.
    5. Advertisement
Section 6 of 9:

Types of Jade Stone

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Jadeite Jadeite may be the stone you think of whenever you think of jade bracelets. It's hard and tough with a shiny finish, and it comes in a range of vibrant colors (including the classic green shade of Imperial jade). It's rarer than the other type of jade, nephrite, and is extremely durable, making it both valuable and an ideal material for long-wearing bracelets. [22]
    • Jadeite forms naturally in many parts of the world, but most of it is mined in Myanmar and Guatemala. [23] The Chinese first discovered jadeite when it was shipped to them from Myanmar (then Burma) in the 1700s. The rest, as they say, is history! [24]
    • The most sought-after and expensive jadeite is translucent, meaning you can see light coming through it. The more opaque (solid) it looks, the lower it's valued. https://www.gia.edu/jade-quality-factor
  2. 2
    Nephrite Nephrite is traditionally used in carvings because, even though it's tough like jadeite, it's easier to cut. It appears in shades of green and white, white being the color preferred by Chinese emperors! Archaeologists have also discovered tools from human civilizations in the Stone Age that were carved from nephrite. [25]
    • Nephrite jade is typically mined in North America, Australia, and Taiwan. [26]
    3. Advertisement
Section 7 of 9:

Jade Symbolism in Different Cultures

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Maya, Aztec, & Olmec Ancient Central American civilizations such as the Mayans, Aztecs, and Olmecs valued jade highly. Archaeologists have found jade objects like votive axes, perforators (designed for blood-letting in self-sacrificial ceremonies), and decorative chest pieces in the signature Olmec style. [27] Meanwhile, the Mayans and Aztecs used jade to relieve aches and pains, as well as for jewelry and ritual items. [28]
  2. 2
    China When jadeite arrived in China in the 18th century, it was reserved for royalty and nobility. The emperors who ruled the nation employed only the most skilled craftsmen to carve intricategreen and white jade objects like pins, cups, urns, reliefs, and more. [29] In addition to using jade for utilitarian and ceremonial objects, the Chinese people also used it to represent one of their gods: the Jade Emperor, ruler of Heaven. [30] Jade was also called the stone of heaven and was thought to connect Earth to the upper spiritual realms. [31]
  3. 3
    Maori The Maori cultures of New Zealand also use jade to carve objects, but they use a nephrite version mined from riverbeds. They also have a different name for it: Pounamu (pronounced "poh-nah-moo"). In one of their legends, a giant water being named Poutini turned a human woman he admired into Pounamu so he could keep her essence forever. [32]
    4. Advertisement
Section 8 of 9:

Final Thoughts

PDF download Download Article
  1. Jade bracelets are beautiful accessories rich with history and meaning. Wearing a jade bracelet is always a smart fashion choice, whether you're wearing it to bring yourself some good luck and protection or just because you enjoy the color. Purchase authentic jade and avoid simulants if you want to experience all the benefits of this incredible stone on your wrist or ankle.
Section 9 of 9:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    What does it mean when your jade bracelet breaks? The most common belief is that if your jade bracelet breaks, the gemstone just protected you from serious harm, like a car accident or a theft. In that light, the break can be seen as a lucky event. Simply replace the bracelet with a new one.
  2. 2
    Which wrist should you wear a jade bracelet on? It's traditional to wear a bracelet of any type, including jade, on the wrist of your non-dominant hand, so that it doesn't get in the way when you write or perform other activities. But you can also wear it on whichever wrist feels the most comfortable.
  3. 3
    Which type of jade is the rarest? Emerald green jadeite or Imperial jade is the rarest and most prized type of jade in existence. Lavender jade is the second rarest. [33]
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      4 Easy Ways to Safely Open a Pandora Bracelet
      How to
      Put on a Bracelet with One Hand
      What Does an Evil Eye Bracelet Mean?
      How to
      Shrink a Silicone Bracelet
      How to
      Make a Shamballa Bracelet
      How to
      Measure a Pandora Bracelet
      How to
      Adjust a Deployment Clasp
      How to
      Make Taylor Swift Bracelets: A Guide for Swifties
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/jade-stone-of-heaven
      2. ↑ https://www.gia.edu/jade-history-lore
      3. ↑ https://www.sbs.com.au/voices/article/the-beauty-of-wearing-a-jade-bangle-i-cant-take-off/4976pk6w2
      4. ↑ https://www.thejadum.com/blogs/stories/what-are-the-different-colors-of-jade-and-their-meanings
      5. ↑ https://www.gia.edu/jade-quality-factor
      6. ↑ https://www.thejadum.com/blogs/stories/what-are-the-different-colors-of-jade-and-their-meanings
      7. ↑ https://www.gia.edu/jade-quality-factor
      8. ↑ https://www.crystalviden.com/pink-jade/
      9. ↑ https://www.marchantasianart.com/guide/a-concise-guide-to-antique-white-jade/
      1. ↑ https://www.thejadum.com/blogs/stories/what-are-the-different-colors-of-jade-and-their-meanings
      2. ↑ https://www.thejadum.com/blogs/stories/what-are-the-different-colors-of-jade-and-their-meanings
      3. ↑ https://www.thejadum.com/blogs/stories/what-are-the-different-colors-of-jade-and-their-meanings
      4. ↑ https://www.thejadum.com/blogs/stories/what-are-the-different-colors-of-jade-and-their-meanings
      5. ↑ https://www.thejadum.com/blogs/stories/what-are-the-different-colors-of-jade-and-their-meanings
      6. ↑ https://www.crystalviden.com/yellow-jade/
      7. ↑ https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/jade-crystal
      8. ↑ https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/jade-crystal
      9. ↑ https://www.gia.edu/doc/The-Jade-Enigma.pdf
      10. ↑ https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/jade-crystal
      11. ↑ https://www.sbs.com.au/voices/article/the-beauty-of-wearing-a-jade-bangle-i-cant-take-off/4976pk6w2
      12. ↑ https://www.sbs.com.au/voices/article/the-beauty-of-wearing-a-jade-bangle-i-cant-take-off/4976pk6w2
      13. ↑ https://www.gemstones.com/articles/gemstone-jadeite-vs-nephrite
      14. ↑ https://agta.org/jadeite/
      15. ↑ https://www.gia.edu/jade-history-lore
      16. ↑ https://www.gemstones.com/articles/gemstone-jadeite-vs-nephrite
      17. ↑ https://agta.org/jadeite/
      18. ↑ https://smarthistory.org/olmec-jade/
      19. ↑ https://www.gia.edu/jade-history-lore
      20. ↑ https://www.marchantasianart.com/guide/a-concise-guide-to-antique-white-jade/
      21. ↑ https://afe.easia.columbia.edu/cosmos/prb/heavenly.htm
      22. ↑ https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/jade-stone-of-heaven
      23. ↑ https://www.newzealand.com/ca/feature/new-zealand-greenstone/
      24. ↑ https://www.gia.edu/jade-quality-factor

      About This Article

      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement