Pair of 'Imperial Green' Jadeite and Diamond Earrings | 天然「帝王綠」翡翠 配 鑽石 耳環一對

Imperial Jade

「帝王綠」翡翠

Jade has long been treasured in China, bearing a cultural significance that dates back 8,000 years as the ‘Stone from Heaven’. The ancient Chinese attributed the beauty of jade to its five virtues: benevolence, wisdom, courage, justice and purity. There was also a firm belief that this treasured gem could ward off evil spirits, as seen from examples in the Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD). One of the earliest well-known lovers of jadeite from the imperial family is Emperor Qianlong (1711 – 1799). As an avid art collector, Emperor Qianlong had a special appreciation for jade. During his reign, the Qing court had extended their jurisdiction into Northern Myanmar and gained access to Hetian. This allowed the Imperial family to enjoy new sources of jadeite and Hetian jade from the Kunlun mountains.

中國玉文化最早可追溯到八千年前，國人自古以來重視玉，譽之為「天上之石」，且玉象徵仁、智、勇、義、潔五德，故謂「君子無故，玉不離身」。另外亦有謂玉石可辟邪護身，漢代（公元前 206 年至公元 220 年）玉器文化頗盛，即為一例。乾隆皇帝（1711 年至 1799 年）是最早大量收藏玉器和翡翠的清朝皇族人物。乾隆熱愛鑑賞和收藏各類工藝品，對原產於緬甸的翡翠情有獨鍾。乾隆在位期間，清廷將管轄範圍擴大至緬北，並直通新疆和田，取得崑崙山脈出產的和田玉。

The best of jadeite with a deep emerald green is honoured as an imperial green hue, associating the fine colour to be as noble and majestic as the emperor. Combined with a fine texture and translucency, the rough material of the jadeite must be of exceptional quality in order for the finished piece to be qualified as an ‘Imperial Green’ calibre. When it comes to jadeite bead necklaces, it is exceptionally challenging to create a full set with a big bead size as they often all have to originate from the same rough. This would imply that the original crystal of the gemstone must be substantial in size as well as quality, which is exceedingly rare. Jadeite carvings often carry various symbols of prosperity and longevity, as embodiments of blessings to the owner and the admirer.

頂級翡翠鮮濃翠綠，被譽為「帝王綠」，與帝王一樣尊貴威嚴。要問鼎「帝王綠」之美名，玉石原料必須具有卓越品質，質地細膩、晶瑩剔透。製作翡翠珠鏈的難度非常高，因為碩大渾圓的珠子需來自同一原石，意味著玉石原始晶體的尺寸和質量均須上乘，實非易事。翡翠雕刻往往帶有各種富貴長壽的寓意，象徵對主人乃至觀賞者的祝福。