Jade Engagement Rings: The Complete Guide

Jade possesses all of 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.

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.

Learn more about jade stones and what you should look for in an engagement ring.

Pros and Cons of Jade Rings

Jadeite is offered in three categories: Type A, Type B, and Type C. “Jadeite is the rarer gem,” Avedis says. “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. The toughness of jade lent itself originally to creating weaponry with the stone, but it evolved into a prized material for statues and jewelry throughout several centuries. “It’s important to choose type A jade because it tends to be more durable,” Avedis says. The other types have generally undergone treatments that temporarily enhance the appearance of the stone but deteriorate with time.

What to Look for in a Jade Engagement Ring

• Is there a benefit to selecting a specific type of jade? 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.

• What are some popular cuts for jade rings? 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.

• What types of stones are set with jade? 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.