Sterling silver and jade jewelry combines a stone with deep cultural meaning and a solid silver setting at accessible prices. "Jade" covers two minerals: jadeite, the harder and rarer one, and nephrite, which includes Hotan jade. For wholesale, the key checks are which type you are buying, whether it has been treated, and how securely it is set. This guide explains each point and the styles that sell.
Part of our Sterling Silver Jewelry Wholesale Guide
Jade is popular in Asian markets and increasingly in Western wellness and neo-oriental styles. Deechy Jewelry Manufacturing & Design produces jade jewelry in sterling silver, and this guide covers what to know before buying wholesale.
Jadeite vs Nephrite
| Jadeite | Nephrite | |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6.5–7 | 6–6.5 |
| Look | Glassy to translucent, vivid greens and lavender | Waxy, softer colours, white to green |
| Main source | Myanmar | China (including Hotan jade from Xinjiang), Canada, Russia |
| Toughness | Tough | Very tough, resists chipping |
| Price | Wide range, top grades very expensive | Generally more affordable |
Hotan jade is a nephrite valued in China for its smooth, oily luster, and it works well in everyday silver pieces like this jade gourd pendant.
Treatments and Disclosure
Jadeite is commonly described in three types:
- Type A: natural, only cleaned and waxed.
- Type B: bleached and filled with polymer to improve clarity.
- Type C: dyed to change or deepen colour.
Treated jade is a legitimate product at a lower price, but it must be described honestly. Ask your supplier which type you are buying and pass that information on to customers.
Why Sterling Silver Suits Jade
Silver's cool white tone lets jade's colour lead, and silver is workable enough for bezel settings, caps and wire wraps that hold carved and irregular pieces securely. Gold-plated sterling gives a warmer, more traditional look.
Styles That Sell
- Small jade pendants: gourds, beads, discs and Buddha pieces
- Jade bead earrings and hoops
- Bead bracelets with silver charms
- Neo-oriental designs that mix jade with modern silver forms
Sourcing Tips
- Order samples and check colour consistency across a batch, since natural stones vary.
- Agree jade type and any treatment in writing.
- Check settings and bead holes for cracks.
- Tell customers that each natural stone is unique.
Browse our themed designs, pendants and bracelets. Ready-to-ship styles have no minimum order, every piece carries the S925 stamp, and custom versions start from 20–30 pieces per style with a one-time $30 tooling fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between jadeite and nephrite?
Jadeite is harder, rarer and often more vivid; nephrite is slightly softer, very tough and generally more affordable. Both are sold as jade.
What is Hotan jade?
A nephrite jade from Xinjiang, China, valued for its smooth, oily luster. It is widely used in silver jewelry.
What do Type A, B and C jade mean?
Type A is natural and untreated apart from waxing; Type B is bleached and polymer-filled; Type C is dyed. Treated jade must be disclosed.
Is jade suitable for everyday jewelry?
Yes. Nephrite in particular is very tough. Customers should still avoid hard knocks and harsh chemicals.
Can Deechy make custom jade jewelry?
Yes. Custom designs start from 20–30 pieces per style with a one-time $30 tooling fee, and ready-to-ship styles have no minimum order.
Part of our Sterling Silver Jewelry Wholesale Guide
