Jadeite Pendant Necklace | Handcrafted Jewelry in Door County | Available Piece

"The Jadeite stone beads are hand-cut and polished by the Mayan Artisans of Guatemala. For 15 years, I spent my winters in Guatemala working with the Mayan artisans through a fair trade/skill-building project. My classic jewelry designs are based on the character of the handmade jadeite stone bead and accented with sterling silver.  Jadeite is a colorful precious gemstone in shades of green, black, lilac, and blue! 

My work in Guatemala helps the indigenous communities sustain their traditional heritage, create revenue, and acquire new skills!"

Jadeite of Guatemala:

Guatemala is the home of Mayan jadeite and is found in the remote Motagua Valley quarries. To the Pre-Columbian people of Mesoamerica, jade represented breath, life, fertility, city, and power.

Jade is the term given to two similar gem materials, called jadeite and nephrite. Jadeite is harder than nephrite; it is found in a wider range of colors, from white through various greens to lilac, blue, and black, and takes a high polish.  Jadeite is a silicate of sodium and aluminum.

When the Spanish conquered the region in the 16th century, the source of jadeite was lost. The jadeite quarries were abandoned and quickly covered by the encroaching jungle. It was not until 1950 that evidence of Mayan workings was found in the jungle of the Sierra De Las Minas in eastern Guatemala.

For contacting the artist to support her work with Mayan communities click here.