PINK JADE

Evening Star, Issue 19271, 9 June 1926, Page 9

PINK JADE

For more than 200 years pink jade had not been found in any thickness greater than an eighth oi an inch, until it was discovered about three years ago forty miles north-west of Pretoria (says a 1 Daily Chronicle ’ writer). Pink jade varies greatly in tone, some pieces being pale flesh color, and others almost as deep as rose. Sometimes it shades to a brown or amethyst or into purple.

It took some time to start a mine after the stone had boon discovered, as it is very difficult to work. It is so hard that it has to bo polished with diamond dust, and often in the process of cutting a bit of pure rock will be found running through it. The Chinese, as a result of generations of experience, are the most expert jade carvers in the world, and the South African Government allows a certain number of these experts to come to that country with a view to starting an industry which will employ workers under Chinese instructions.

The inferior stone is made up into seals and electric hell balls lor the writing table, hut the finer pieces, besides being formed into beads lor necklaces, are made into brooches, pendants, and the fashionable drou carrings. When a mount is required, either gold or white gold is used, as is seen in bracelets made of circles or “cushions” of jade with backing and pins of white gold.