By Augusten Burroughs
Located in Northampton, MA
This 8.75" beaded stretch bracelet is composed of the most stunning and unique hand-carved jadeite jade beads from Guatemala. With an inner diameter of approximately 69mm unstretched, this will those with fit medium, large and XL hands and wrists. As long as your hand is larger than 69mm measured from knuckle to knuckle, it won't slide off your wrist.
The bracelet is composed entirely of 28 hand-carved and hand-polished natural and untreated jadeite jade beads from Guatemala and they vary widely in both size and shape. From a 10mm x 8mm cylindrical black jade bead to an 8.15mm almost perfectly round deep emerald-green bead. Two beads are in the 16mm range and several of them have a "primitive" cut, much like the beads the ancient Mayan's would have worn.
The tones here are spectacular. From a lush jungle green to the iconic bluish-green only found in Guatemala. There is yellowish green, pale mint green, teal, and emerald. Even the large opaque beads possess a luminous quality. And the translucent beads are just captivating. Three solid 18K gold 5mm beads and one thick, 11mm hand-hammered 18K gold ring complete the bracelet. It weighs a hefty 55 grams, so it's deeply satisfying on the wrist.
As a second-generation jade collector, the unique jade from Guatemala has become my favorite variety of jade; my favorite gem.
Burma (Myanmar) has long been the primary source for all jadeite in the world. While jadeite is found in other areas in very small amounts, none can equal the magnificence and range of colors that Burmese jade has to offer. It is among the world's most expensive gems because fine jadeite is extremely rare.
Jadeite can only form under highly specific geological conditions and Guatemala has these conditions. The ancient Mayan civilization knew jade well and used it for jewelry, masks and more. But like the ancient cities themselves, the jungles consumed the jade mines...
Category
2010s American Artisan Jade Jewelry
