:max_bytes(200000):strip_icc()/ring-6e8aae7f785f43f4a840e22f9eb4d50c.jpg)
Courtesy of Market Square Jewelers
Jade possesses all the desirable qualities found in gemstones: It’s durable, it’s rare, it’s beautiful, and it’s steeped in thousands of years worth of history and tradition. If you're leaning toward an engagement ring that checks off all those boxes, you may want to consider including jade in your search.
What Is Jade?
Jade is a metamorphic rock composed of varying minerals primarily sourced from Burma and China. There are two types of jade: jadeite and nephrite.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/jade-engagement-rings-4845537_V4-b7c06910e1384e74a182e20659031e16.png)
The History of the Jade Gemstones
Artisans have been crafting with jade for thousands of years, in large part due to its spiritual associations. “It was often believed to cure the pain of the time of the Mayan and Aztecs,” Jewelry designer Edward Avedis tells Brides. “However, it was the Chinese who revered the green jade since its discovery in Burma.” In fact, the Chinese character for jade dates back to 2950 BC and to this day remains a highly significant gemstone within the culture. The toughness of jade lent itself to creating weaponry with the stone but it also evolved into a prized material for statues and jewelry throughout several centuries.
Meet the Expert
Edward Avedis is a sixth-generation fine jewelry designer based in Santa Monica who offers an assortment of bespoke and beautifully-crafted bridal pieces through his eponymous jewelry atelier.
What to Look for in a Jade Engagement Ring
“Jadeite is the rarer gem,” Avedis explains. “It has a higher value and is most sought after in its vivid green color.” Nephrite, on the other hand, is less rare but is also more durable and more affordable. Jadeite is offered in three categories: Type A, Type B, and Type C. “It’s important to choose type A jade because it tends to be more durable,” Avedis advises. The other types have generally undergone treatments that temporarily enhance the appearance of the stone but deteriorate with time.
Though jadeite comes in a range of colors including shades of yellow, brown, lavender, red, and orange, “the most valuable and coveted jade is a specific green called imperial jade," Avedis says. At a certain point in history, imperial jade was reserved for only the Chinese emperor, making it all the more of an enticing gemstone for designing an engagement ring with.
The primary cut for jade is cabochon (a term that refers to gemstone shapes that aren’t faceted or carved). Avedis nods to oval, round, and marquise silhouettes as common cabochon jade stones you’ll find with engagement rings. Designers will often set jade with other stones, like diamond halos or side stones.
How to Care For Your Jade Engagement Ring
Avedis recommends washing your jade with soap and warm water to help keep its shine. “Jade is a durable gem so it’s scratch resistant to a certain degree,” he adds. “Also, be sure to avoid harsh detergents.”
And now, scroll through the beautiful jade engagement rings below.
Edward Avedis Jade Sarafina Ring
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ring-90c3e857f547404e9816df26b1349ed7.png)
Courtesy of Edward Avedis
The unique black gold on this engagement ring contrasts beautifully with the green jade center stone.
SHOP NOW: Edward Avedis, $3,900
Effy 14k Yellow Gold Jade and Diamond Ring
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ring-6ddba1b6ff6848c3b5ade4250f8d91ca.png)
Courtesy of Effy Jewelry
Double down on the uniqueness of a jade engagement ring by choosing a pear-shaped stone encircled by a halo of petite diamonds.
SHOP NOW: Effy Jewelry, $1,575
Yi Collection Jade and Ruby Globe Ring
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ring-2b9fc90432d24d14b3e3eb8eeaa968c8.jpg)
Courtesy of Yi Collection
If you're interested in jade but don’t love the idea of green, look for another color variation, like this white ring.
SHOP NOW: Yi Collection, $1,150
Certified Type A Jadeite Jade and Diamond Ring
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/8614152_master-3471d4bb688249009db8d0312c1540ad.jpeg)
Courtesy of 1st Dibs
Exquisite proof that jade and diamonds go together perfectly. This ring appears as though it came right out of the Emerald City.
SHOPW NOW: 1st Dibs, $29,000
Gucci Le Marche des Merveilles Jade & Diamond Feline Head Ring
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ring-bd12189bc5de4a56b9744066b2833ccb.png)
Courtesy of Bloomingdale's
This Gucci ring is an ornate option for the antique-obsessed bride. We love how thin and delicate the gold band is.
SHOP NOW: Bloomingdale's, $1,720
Ashley Zhang Jade Ring
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/JadeRing-0d4309b5781a4ef4a10004365af7dd84.jpg)
Courtesy of Ashley Zhang Jewelry
This jade dates back to the 1950s and is reworked into a modern setting alongside baguette and round diamonds.
SHOP NOW: Ashley Zhang Jewelry, $6,000
Loren Stewart Jade Opal and Diamond Ring
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Untitled-e48d3c1a56154d8e8b80f22a31824ceb.png)
Courtesy of Loren Stewart
This jade ring is accompanied by an opal stone and a small diamond for a varied, stylish engagement aesthetic.
SHOP NOW: Loren Stewart, $415
HN Jewelry Natural Jade & Marquise Diamond Ring
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/round_green_jade_marquise_diamond_engagement_ring_1944x-e40c931be8e94f4d84158273f5bc8d7b.jpg)
Courtesy of HN Jewelry
This type A jade center stone pairs beautifully with its six round brilliant cut diamonds and gold band.
SHOP NOW: HN Jewelry, $2,820
Renee Lewis Jade and Antique Diamond Ring
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ring-249df516de6248cfa4891a40f23d766e.png)
Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue
A timeless option crafted from the finest materials, the true sign of an antique piece.
SHOP NOW: Saks Fifth Avenue, $9,900
Vintage Jade Engagement Ring
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ring-2d189a4225dc4abf9033650b5ae53759.jpg)
Courtesy of Etsy
The marquise jade shape and rose gold band looks especially delicate next to round brilliant diamond accents.
SHOP NOW: Etsy, $2,180
Vintage Jade Diamond Ring
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ring-00ed69a9b09d4eed9f077e3e66502a8a.png)
Courtesy of Sophie Jane Jewels
A vintage option that speaks to modern, artistic sensibilities. Plus, it's perfect for brides who don't want to completely forgo diamonds on their engagement ring.
SHOP NOW: Sophie Jane Jewels, $775
Japanese Art Deco Jade Ring Certified Untreated
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ring-c8c0fe63e741436bbf11acf8f95594b5.jpg)
Courtesy of 1st Dibs
Opt for an Art Deco-inspired ring featuring a jade center stone. This option offers an untreated type a grade that glows.
SHOP NOW: 1st Dibs, $2,500
66mint Fine Estate Jewelry Green Jade and Diamond Ring
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/00003a_2048x2048-93c7897931c7431aad1c7a52af094ed2.jpg)
Courtesy of 66mint
This striking jade oval cabochon is accentuated with four round brilliant diamonds and a 14k yellow gold band.
SHOP NOW: 66mint, $1,950
Vintage Golde Jade Solitaire Ring
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ring-20ea5316722a44d4b61651d814eb1c13.jpg)
Courtesy of Market Square Jewelers
Complement your jade’s beauty with an ornate gold band. This ring exudes a vintage feel that's striking to the eye.
SHOP NOW: Market Square Jewelers, $415