Jade might be just another stone, a mere coloured rock, one in a mundane catalogue of gems at best, if not for the meaning assigned to it by man. To the Chinese, jade represents purity, longevity and, well, practically everything good. The word “jade” is found in Chinese idioms to describe beautiful and noble people, such as a “jade girl”, which denotes a woman who is pure and good. Perhaps Confucius dissected the stone’s characteristics most eloquently when he compared jade to 11 human virtues, linking, for example, its transparency to sincerity and its hardness to confidence.

Jade bangles are a much-loved accessory, permanently circling the wrists of old ladies who can no longer slip them off their hands, and doning the chubby arms of baby girls who are given their tiny bangles as a wish for luck. When a piece of jade jewellery breaks (an all too common occurrence), there is consolation: it is believed to have protected its wearer from some misfortune.

The Chinese have revered the stone for centuries, once believing that jade had mystical properties and would prevent bodies from decaying. This belief was taken to the extreme in the Han dynasty when royalty and aristocrats were buried in body suits made out of small squares of jade that were sewn together with thread. Today, the Chinese still wear jade for protection and fashion, proving that long-held tradition simply doesn’t go out of style.

Buying Jade

If you want to buy a piece of jade but are afraid of getting cheated, simply head to one of Hong Kong’s more reputable chain stores. One look through the shop windows will reveal that high-quality jade jewellery is a stunning bright emerald green. The colour should be even throughout the piece, although multi-coloured pieces, such as a combination of green and lavender, might be considered particularly beautiful. Buyers can hold the stones up to the light to check their translucence, another mark of good jade. While jade is often carved into traditional lucky shapes and symbols such as peaches and buddhas, the most valuable stones are used to make simple, round, polished cabochons.

But looks can be deceiving. Because jade is frequently treated to enhance its colour and transparency, stones are divided into A, B and C types to differentiate among those that are natural (type A), chemically treated (type B) and dyed (type C). Sometimes, unscrupulous traders try to pass off quartz and other less valuable stones as jade. The safest way to ensure you buy genuine items is always to head to a high-end jewellery store.

The Jade Market

While rings and pendants encrusted with lustrous green stones command incredible prices at the city’s fine jewellery stores, jade of a different variety can be snapped up for the change in your pocket at the Jade Market. At this tourist hotspot, vendors set up their stalls daily under a large tent. Each of the several hundred stalls is slightly different from the next, displaying trays of assorted pendants, rows of smooth bangles, woven charm bracelets and chunky beaded necklaces. Many of these jewellery items are sold as jade, although the genuineness varies. Sometimes, the prices are dead giveaways of the stones’ quality – a bracelet studded with stone beads could be on offer for around $25. But it is nevertheless fun to browse and take home these symbols of Chinese culture. Bargaining is a must – expect to pay half of the initial offer.

Pearls are possibly an even more popular commodity among visitors to Hong Kong, and the Jade Market is once again the place to go for an inexpensive selection. Strands of the iridescent gemstones in pastel colours are piled high, and these can be turned into necklaces with clasps by the stall-owners on the spot, often in a matter of minutes.

So be discerning, bargain hard, and remember, if your jade bangle breaks, don't fret. Consider it part of the lucky jade tradition.

The Jade Market is located on Kansu and Battery streets. It opens daily from 10am to 5pm. To get there, take the MTR to Yau Ma Tei station, exit C, and walk along Nathan Road to Kansu Street. Continue on Kansu Street until you reach the Jade Market.