As early as 3000 BC, China held jade in high regard. It was known as Yu, the royal gem.
Other civilizations such as the Mayans and the Aztecs of Central America valued it more highly than gold.
Ancient Egyptians believed that jade was the stone of love, inner peace, harmony and balance.
Jade is also thought to be a lucky or protective stone by many other cultures.
Ponamu (the Maori term for Nephrite and Bowenite) was used by the Maori of New Zealand as ornament, tool, weapon and item of trade.

The term jade encompasses Jadeite and Nephrite - two similar but distinct minerals. Both have similar properties as a stone, but have different chemical compositions .Nephrite colour ranges from mid to dark green or gray green, but can also be white, reddish or yellowish.
Jadeite can display hues such as green, white, pink, red, black, brown or violet.
Both can have veins, blemishes or streaks running through them. These are not thought of as flaws, but characteristics that make each piece unique and valuable.