Jade

Officially the gemstone of British Columbia and Alaska , Jade is coveted for its beautifully bold and exotic green color. Though it is most commonly a turquoise-green shade, it is sold in other colors such as white, yellow, purple and white. Many varieties of jade can be found in the Elle jewelry designs here at Day's Jewelers.

Also known as an “imperial” gemstone, Jade has been treasured in China since as early as 2950 BC (AGTA), and was thought to preserve the body after death. Usually cut into cabochons (smooth dome-like shapes), Jade is very popular in Asian countries, where it is used to make beads, bangles and necklaces. Jade has even been found in many great emperors' tombs that are thousands of years old. Another place that has always treasured jade is Central America , where the Mayans, Olmecs and Toltecs used jade carvings and masks.

Ranked a 6.5-7.0 out of 10 on the Mohs scale (used to determine gem hardness), Jade is a very tough gemstone. It was even used for early knives because of its tough composition. Jade may undergo many treatments such as bleaching, dying, heating and wax impregnation. Heating and bleaching are the only permanent of these treatments and dying is semi-permanent. Wax impregnation is not necessarily permanent because wax can deteriorate over time; however it may be retreated if it's needed. It is best cleaned with mild dish soap and a tooth brush.

Impregnating Jade with wax is not necessarily permanent because the wax can deteriorate over time. You are stating that waxing is not “safe”. The fact is, it can always be easily re-impregnated with wax. So, “safe” is not the right word.