Gump's Jade Egg Circa 1970s

The luminous untreated jadeite jade beads that compose this 20" necklace are so faintly light green, that they appear white. Well, but not white; not really, because they are far too fascinating to be merely white like a piece of paper or a sheet. It is as if an apparition has assumed bead form and settled around the neck. These gorgeous, succulent beads seem filled with a reserve of light they have gathered during the day in order to release back into the night like a whisper. If you like pearls but wish for something denser, more grounded in the material world, these may be for you. They do look like pearls from a distance, a pristine strand of vintage cultured Akoya pearls. But then, up close, what are they? White sapphires? What could they be? Most people, of course, have no idea jade is anything other than green. The individual beads measure approximately 8.5mm for a clean, unified presentation around the neck. I am a second-generation collector of jade and have loved Gump's jade jewelry all my life. Gump's was an iconic San Francisco department store that was founded in the 19th century and awed the world with their remarkable and unique pieces until 2005 when they were sold. Gump's never used any dyed or treated jade in any of their jewelry, so they remain one of very few brands that you never need to have tested; vintage Gump...

A Gump's jade necklace from the 1960s, still on its original string. Such a find! The multi-colored jadeite beads average 9mm and there are 59 of them all together, so the necklace measures 23". The muted tones are so perfectly modern today. Gump's was an iconic San Francisco store (the new Gump's has different ownership) founded by a legendary lover of fine jewelry, especially jade. Gump's jade jewelry...

This gorgeous, ethereal Midcentury jadeite jade necklace was created by the iconic San Francisco retailer, Gump's, circa 1970. The luminous, translucent fog-toned jade beads measure approximately 8.83mm and are on their original silk string. The necklace is finished with the classic Gump's 14k yellow gold clasp, that features both the metal fitness mark and the Gump's logo. Gump's never used treated jade in any of their jewelry; all authentic Gump's jewelry is natural and untreated "A" jade. These extraordinary beads are in soothing tones of soft, soft violet and the palest yellow. The palate here may be neutral but the impact certainly is not. The beads are so light-filled they seem to float, hovering over the fabric upon which they are draped. Vintage Gump...

Perfectly unisex and exceedingly rare, this is an original Gump's San Francisco jade ring featuring an oval cabochon of natural and untreated white jadeite jade set into a hand-crafted 18k yellow gold mounting. The original Gump's of San Francisco was an iconic retailer known worldwide for their spectacular and always, always untreated natural jade jewelry...

This is an iconic black jade ring from Gump's San Francisco featuring an oval cabochon of natural and untreated black jade. This style of jade ring has prov...

A tortoise can live to be two centuries old and this little guy is no exception. Crafted from cast bronze, the shell lifts off to reveal a carved and etched plaque of natural, untrea...

Simply Beautiful! Elegant and finely detailed Link Bracelet, securely Hand set with 5 oval cabochon Black Jade stones. Hand crafted in 14 Karat Yellow...

A charm pendant designed as a large carved Buddha sculpture in green jadeite jade with 18 karat (18K) yellow gold terminals. The jadeite is natural...

Sweet Faberge ladybug charm crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. Diamonds total an estimated 0.02 carats (estimated at G-H color and VS2 clarity). The ladybug is beautifully enamele...

This is a wonderful antique Art Deco Jade Smiling Fat Buddha Pendant in 14 Karat Gold. The Buddha is exquisitely carved in natural Jade. The Bu...

This is a wonderful antique Art Deco Jade Smiling Fat Buddha Pendant in 14 Karat Gold. The Buddha is exquisitely carved in natural Jade. The Bu...

A large 14 karat yellow gold 'Home Sweet Home' charm pendant designed as a house and ruby diamond tree with a jade and diamond bird singing on a fence. Marked 14K for 14 karat gold a...