FORMATION
During the undersea creation of mountains, two masses of separate mineral deposits collide under phenomenal pressure, one of which is iron rich serpentine. Under the extreme pressure of the collision of these two minerals a new stone is created taking elements of each part of the two colliding masses. The squeezing fluid created between the two is nephrite.
EXPLORATION
There are no qualifications or training modules in finding jade, it is a delicate combination of preservation, experience and an eye for jade. Without experience, a piece of jade is similar to a regular piece of rock and easy to overlook. An eye for jade is trained not only to locate the existence of jade but to evaluate the quality of jade within the boulder. Drilled core samples are then taken to assess the jade quality and the economic potential of the jade deposit.
MINING
We pride ourselves in ensuring our mining operations is performed responsibly and sustainably while playing a driving force in the community’s efforts to provide employment, build infrastructure and improve conditions and standards. Though our entire operation is above ground, our workforce is trained and employed at the highest standards to ensure ethical mining and the safest working practices. We use a combination of excavators, rock trucks, drilling equipment and vehicles to extract jade from its deposits.
CUTTING
Diamond-tipped tools and saws are used to cut through jade, whether in exposing the jade’s quality or cutting it to manageable sizes for processing. Jade’s hardness varies from 6.0 to 6.8 on Moh’s Hardness scale, and requires diamond tools to process. The sawyer or cutter will carefully study a piece of jade before marking it for cutting.
CARVING
The same method and technique of carving has been used for centuries, using polishing wheels and carving tools to process a piece of jade. The material and advancement of technology has allowed the carving process to be more versatile and the products to be more precise. Carving and polishing brings the jade to life, combined with the craftsmanship of the carver and the element of design, the rough piece of jade is transformed into a beautiful work of art.
PRODUCT
The journey of jade ends in the possession of the buyer, jade’s essence and beauty is showcased in its final form. Whether the end-product is an earring, bangle, pendant or sculpture, jade’s natural beauty will be exemplified.