Ying Yu Jade
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I was choosing some new jade bangles to replace the ones that had sold this week and I found a very small one that was part of the "sister ring" that is 3mm smaller than the one I'm wearing and 16mm wide, so it fits like 49mm. It was in a box and didn't have the "glow" that the one I'm wearing has, and I thought I'd perk it up by wearing it. So I got a plastic bag and eventually got it over my hand. It's so tight on my wrist that I can feel the pressure, and it kind of stays under my wrist bone bone most of time, that's how tight it is. I think it's the smallest size I've ever put on, and yes, I'm wondering if it will ever come off! But what really surprises me is that even though it's so much smaller, it still rides up my forearm to wear the larger one did. I actually have a tan line on my forearm where my bangle rides up, so I know exactly where the 53.5mm bangle was. But that's the nature of bangles, they will ride up your arm unless they are so tight they stick to your wrist, really stick. I often get emails from readers asking how small they can go in a jade bangle so their bangle doesn't ride up their forearm. I have a slender arm, so I would say if you do, too, then your bangle is going to ride up about 4". This bangle, being smaller and wider feels strange, not uncomfortable, but not really comfortable either. So I'll sleep with it on, and let my body adjust to the difference, and hopefully tomorrow it will feel just right. The jade is fabulous jade, and the qi energy feels good. I'm glad it's a "sister" to the one I was wearing because it might not come off for awhile! August 29
Here's a story
from Joy, about her jade and health: I had just started feeling really
bad when my jade bangle BC370 arrived and thought my bangle was so pretty.
I immediately put it on my wrist and thought it was sort of ugly against
my skin, very dull, lifeless or maybe the lavender was not very complementary.
Anyway, I continued to wear it throughout my ordeal and I really started
to feel that I may have made a bad choice in the bangle because it continued
to get uglier as time went on. I have a good relationship with my other
bangle but this one was not doing anything for me. I was almost thinking
of putting it away but it's a good fit and much lighter compared to the
other one so I decided to keep on wearing it. Well, lo and behold, as
I got better the bangle started to change and the colors are getting brighter(?)
or are more compatible to my skin color. Anyway, it's getting lovelier
as each day passes and now reminds me of Hawaii for some reason. "
Thanks for sharing. I notice my jade looking not very good when I'm getting
sick, jade really shows our health. August 27
I've been mentioning about wearing light color jade in warm weather to balance your body qi. However, with "back to school" and the big concern about swine flu pandemic, I'm thinking about changing my jade bangle earlier than I anticipated so that I can wear high energy jade, jade that has deeper and more "yang" color in it to keep my immune system strong. I can't take the flu shots, so I rely on my health practices to keep my immune system strong, and my body well. So in additional to qigong, tai chi and yoga practice, I wear high energy jade. Jade with good green veins, imperial green veins, some "hong", the fu lu shou, and other deeper colors, or veins, have the yang energy to keep your immune system strong. The Thursday daily special is a moss in snow jade bangle bracelet , and the moss is very high energy, this is an example of a high energy jade for the immune system. August 26
I spent the entire day shopping today. Although it's still hot in Florida in September, I need some "northern" clothes to visit family in Ohio next month, like pants, real shoes, and long (er) sleeves. It's really difficult to shop for these kinds of things when it's 93 degrees, but before I know it, it will be time to go and I "won't have a thing to wear". So now I do. I noticed that bangles of all kinds are very popular now, and bought a set of costume metal bangles to wear with my jade bangles, it's really a fun and updated "look" and perks up everything I bought. Those of you who like to wear more than one jade bangle on the same arm, now is the season, and you can still add some costume bangles with them for a stylish look. Jeans are really "in" for fall, too, in lots of colors. I tried on dress pants, chino pants, khaki pants, and I always favor jean style pants, they always seem to fit me the best and feel the most comfortable. So I'll dress them up a little with tops, and add those bangles, and go visit Mom feeling somewhat stylish! I often wear clearance quality jade bangles when I travel, and almost always sell them right off my wrist in airports to women thrilled to find fabulous natural jade for a tiny price. August 25
When I'm bargaining for jade, sometimes the seller requires me to take 1-2 pieces of jade that I really don't want in order to close the deal. The piece might have a scratch, nick, hairline crack, carving tool mark. So what to do with these? They go into the clearance section. Feng shui suggests that the end of summer is good time to clear out the old, and this week is clearance jade week on Ying Yu Jade. Purchase a clearance jade bangle and get free shipping when you pay with Paypal. Your shipping charges will be refunded when your order is processed. Paypal is easy to use, you don't even need to create an account, just use your credit as you normally would. Clearance jade is still good jade that can be worn without worry, as it's durable and the flaw won't affect the wearing of it. It's an opportunity to buy a good jade bangle for a "first" bangle for a young girl to see if she wants to wear jade. Or if you never wore a jade bangle and you're not sure if you'll like one, you can try one inexpensively. Many customers who have purchased clearance jade wear their jade bangle all the time because they love the natural little deviations that only natural jade has, and love the feel of the history of the jade bangle. I have several customers who tell me their clearance jade is their favorite bangle because they purchased an excellent quality of jade at a fraction of the "if perfect" price and can own precious, natural, wonderful jade that they might otherwise not have been able to afford. August 23
I've received
many emails telling me how much you enjoy other jade bangle wearer's experiences.
Here's how Leslie from Australia gave some history to her jade bangle:
" I've got some good news
to tell you. I have finally passed all my medical specialist exams and
will never have to sit another exam EVER, unless I choose to. I wore that
beautiful lao pit green/white/lavender bangle throughout that difficult
period when I was trying to juggle fulltime work, responsibilities to
husband and full-time study.There have been many times where I've caught
myself rubbing or "fingernail-chiming" that bangle when I've
been stressed, upset, disturbed or just feeling plain unbalanced.
We had a new pharmacist at work one day and after we finished our rounds,
she suddenly turned , grabbed my wrist and exclaimed about my bangle!
And I thought she was going to chide me for some medication error! Anyway,
she said she couldn't take her eyes off the bangle during the entire round-which
is a little disconcerting, to say the least, because each ward round lasts
2-3 hours. But I was immensely flattered and happy. So now this pretty
little bangle has a bit of history - it has seen me. I thought you'd like
to know that your bangles have a quality that shines through" Thanks,
Leslie. August 21
Here's another
jade experience from Jennifer, who has a spectacular collection of jade
bangles:
"Recently I went on a
motorcycle ride that was intended to be a "What I call a Sabbatical".
It is through South Florida's almost utmost remote wilderness , by myself
and specially for myself. When
on Tamiami Trail east "41" I feel I am in "Heaven on Earth".It
is the most exquisite wilderness to me and when I look up and see Clouds
dispersing themselves, I feel part of a very large picture.The jade bangle
I bought from you that is bright deep green veins on icy white jadeite
has also a small patch of green that looks to me just like a small cloud
that is dispersing itself like a veil of rain reaching towards the Earth.
The green in the jade reminds of the rain that is like a shear window
curtain that gets whispier as it reaches toward Earth. By the time it
reaches my level sometimes it does not rain at all due to evaporation.This
bangle will always remind me of the beautiful wonders of nature that not
everyone gets to see" Thank
you, Jen, for sharing how your jade enhances your life. August 21
This is a response
from Deirdre whose feedback I have previously shared regarding how jade
changes, and how one gets attached to a special jade bangle: "My
round winter white bangle with apple green veins and just a hint of lavender,
which was one of the first two I purchased from YYJ, is my almost-constant
companion. As I've written before it vanishes modestly with some of my
clothes and struts like a peacock with others, seeming to understand it's
value to me is more than a mere accessory but unwilling to resist the
opportunity to show off. This bangle does actually seem to change color,
not just in response to my wardrobe (which I really believe is all in
my head - LOL), but also in response to mind/body wellness. When I'm under
the weather, tired or sad it grows pale and rather more opaque; and when
I'm feeling refreshed and happy, well and strong the green veining pops
with color and energy, while the lavender patch and much of the rest of
the bangle appear more translucent and almost glow from inside. It seems
impossible that this could be an optical illusion or my own wishful thinking!
Others have commented on my "beautiful bangle", but only during
those times when it is most "lively".Now, as you know (because
they're all from you), I have several other bangles - green Chinese jade,
beautiful Old River Jade, a dragon green Burmese Jadeite, a wildly colorful
bangle (maybe Lao Pit?) that came from JBB, and several other jadeite
bangles, smooth and carved, that I occasionally slip on - either instead
of or next to my winter white; and I love every one of them; but none
of them seem to be as attuned to me as that single bangle. Some of them
have such a high polish that they always look wet, others have better
chime. I love them all and will love the ones I purchase in the future
as well; but so far none of them "know me" like that one special
bangle! " Thanks,
Deirdre! August 20
I finished "Shanghai Girls" a couple of days ago, but am still enjoying the memories of reading the book. This is a quote from the book, the main character having experienced a terrible loss: "I focus my eyes on my jade bracelet. All these years and for all the years after I die, it will remain unchanged. It will always be hard and cold-just a piece of stone. Yet for me, it is an object that ties me to the past, to people and places that are gone forever. Its continued perfection serves as a physical reminder to keep living, to look to the future, to cherish what I have. It reminds me to endure." I couldn't have said it better, the enduring quality of jade. That's why you buy the very best quality of jade that you can afford, from a reputable jade seller so you know you are getting truly quality jade. "Ying" means strong and hard high quality, "yu" is jade, and that's how our business got it's name. August 19
In the times of arranged marriages for Chinese people, displays of affection were never seen in public, and rarely in private. When I was in Beijing, I saw the Chinese opera "The Jade Bangle". In one scene, the man was unsure of the feelings of his beloved, and he wanted to hold her to him, but didn't know if she was willing or would respond. So he looped his finger lightly through her jade bangle bracelet to slightly draw her to him, and she responded although of course he didn't hold her in the performance. There's also a reference in "Shanghai Girls", a husband looping his finger through his wife's jade bangle and slightly pulling he toward him to see if she would respond to intimacy. In the context of the novel, it was a very romantic gesture, "ai" (love) August 18
I'm still reading, and it's a sad and tragic story. It's truly amazing that girls and women had so little value in China, their only duty was to produce a son, but the women were the ones with the strength when times were difficult. Their jade helped give them the energy to do what needed to be done (that's why there's an energetic description on the jade, as well as a factual description). A jade bangle is part of the story, and it was so highly valued as the mother wore it, and had so much meaning when it was passed to the oldest daughter. It's a good "read"! August 16
My nose is buried in Lisa See's book "Shanghai Girls", which takes place between 1937-1957, and the first mention of a jade bangle is on page 4! I requested it over a month ago, just picked it up from the library. So if you don't see blog updates, or sold items replaced, you know what I'm doing! And I read until I finish the last page.... August 15
Here's a jade
comment from a reader about when someone doesn't really care for jade:
"Speaking from experience, my younger sister and jade don't seem
to agree with each other. Our mother gave us pretty jade pieces to wear
since we were infants. Mother always got frustrated when my sister's jade
pendants and bracelets turned dull and sad looking after she's worn it
for a period of time. The pieces would then be turned over to me (and
at times herself) to wear until the glow is revived again. She said only
real and untreated jadeite react to ones health and balance, and the glow
can come back with the right person wearing it. Even to this day, jade
doesn't appeal to my sister and she only wears her jade pieces at very
special occasions. " Thanks
for sharing, Susan! Aug 13
I often describe jadeite as having an inner glow, or veins that get brighter and prettier as you wear it. I should mention that the beauty of this "glow" is a reflection of your own body qi (energy), so if you are healthy and balanced of body, mind and spirit, your jade will reflect this. I'm also an energy practitioner, of Reiki, qi healing, so I keep my own qi well balanced through lifestyle, including energy practices of tai chi, qigong, yoga, meditation and nutrition, so my qi flows smoothly to help others. I will infuse your jade purchase with qi upon request, usually during meditation. I'd like to hear from you and share your responses about how your jade reflects your health, it will be interesting. Click the "earth" below to submit your comments. Thanks! August 12
I had errands in Orlando, husband went with me, and we stopped at the Mills Street/Colonial "Chinatown" area. There's two Chinese stores, one with gifts and furniture, and a Chinese medicine store where I bought Zheng Gu Shui liniment for all those aches and pains! Most of the area is Vietnamese, and we stopped in a Vietnamese restaurant for lunch, bowls of Pho. It's an interesting restaurant, a mixture of Asian and Western diners, and it's a nicer restaurant so the Asian customers are more well dressed. Of course, I was looking for jade bangles and jewelry. A younger Asian woman was wearing an attractive jade bangle, and an older woman was wearing a dark green bangle that looked odd in the sunlight, probably color treated. I've noticed that when I see the Vietnamese women wearing deep green jade and the bangle is really tight, it's probably a good quality that was put on her wrist when she was young and she's probably worn it all her life. It's interesting to go to that area and "bangle watch". Sometimes I see men wearing jade pendants, or jade rings. I'd love to take a closer look. I've had emails from readers tell me that they also stare at jades, and try not to be rude, but we jade lovers just can't resist! August 11
A reader who has recently been acquiring a fabulous "jade wardrobe" wrote that she was enjoying the "chime" her bangles make when she clinks them together. She asked if color treated jade also chimes, and yes, it does. Generally, the finer the grain, the higher the chime. So old mine jadeite, the lao pit, generally has the most high chime. When I'm jade shopping, I generally use a fingernail to "chime" the jade, and I've chimed hundreds of jades and know what I want to hear. When the sellers see me do that with my fingernail, they often pull out their chiming wand and strike the jade with it. I'm always surprised that it doesn't chip or crack the jade, but they wouldn't do it if it were acid washed/color treated jade that would crack because it gets brittle during the processing. I have a chiming wand but I don't use it when I shop in the wholesale market because I actually do prefer to use a fingernail, and I have a system for consistency, and know what I am listening for. I put the bangle over my thumb and tap the round surface with my fingernail. There's the obvious initial chime, then a more subtle chime. One of the reasons I wear my best quality (although not necessarily the "prettiest" best quality) jade bangle is so when I'm looking through thousands of jade bangles and getting overwhelmed, I can "listen" to my final selection to make my choices. There are often more than a hundred jade bangles that are on the bargaining table, and then I ask "how much for 10, or 20", then I have to choose which ones are the bangles I'll take. And chime helps me make that decision. Aug 10
It's been really hot here in central Florida, and I've been waiting until near sunset to do my walking for exercise. When I got done, it was still really hot, and I noticed my jade bangle was sweaty, as well as really dirty. I made waffles for brunch and there were spots of dried batter, sunscreen, and sweat, it looked and felt awful. You can clean your jade bangle with soap and water, as I did when I took a shower, and I used a brush to clean off the dried waffle batter. Good jade has good polish, and will hold up to your every day activities, then wear it in the shower and it will get clean. Dry it with your bath towel and it's good as new. If it looks a little dull, use some Pledge and a soft cloth and it will shine up nicely, minimize the appearance of any scratches. Jade is really quite tough! August 9
I recycle shipping/packing materials, my small effort to what I can for the environment, so perhaps you have received your order with odd packing. My shipment from China had the most stinky packing material, I opened the boxes and left them outside until the odor went away. I thought perhaps some of you would like to share the "China experience" by having some stinky packing material in your orders! Of course, I didn't use that packing material, but I cleaned out my recycled tissue papers last week. A customer wrote to me that her husband asked her who gave her something from Jared Jewelry, and where was she hiding it! It was tissue from when I went to Jared's for a gift to myself (an ankle bracelet) and the tissue perfectly filled a box with jade gua sha tools, so I used it. The point is: the advertisement for Jared's is "he went to Jared's", but you don't have to wait for "him" to go, you can go for yourself. And you can buy a special "treat" for yourself without waiting for a special occasion. A gift of jade to yourself is special and precious, and will bring you happiness as well as the health benefits of the balancing qi of jade. And maybe you'll get some strange packing material in your shipping box to wonder about! August 7
One of my "jade sisters" sent me an email that she had to watch the video of the new shipment twice, because the first time she was busy looking at my bangle! She wrote that she missed the feature about what jade bangle I am wearing, and I seem to have neglected it. So it's updated, and you can see what jade bangle bracelet I'm wearing by clicking here. August 6
Thanks for your comments about the video, they sure aren't high tech, but I want to give readers a peek into "what's new", like if you were a friend stopping by to see what's in the box! Several readers have commented on my jade bangle, it's part of a ring of "sisters", 20 jade bangles carved from the same rough, different sizes 53-59mm and the coloring is all different. The price range is $1500-2000, if you are interested in one of these high quality old mine "lao pit" jadeites, let me know your size and I'll see what I have and send you a photo. I love mine a lot, it's a favorite. August 5
Today I went shopping for a special occasion cocktail dress, went to a mall to check out the clearance dresses, with my first and last stop being White House Black Market. I love the styles, love the prices, too, and when something is on sale, it's a real deal. I didn't prepare well, didn't wear dressy shoes or a strapless bra, but the clerk brought stilettos which helped. I tried on every dress in my size, and of course they all look great and it was difficult to choose. The only jewelry I had on were stud earrings and my jade bangle, and they sure did make every dress look so elegant! The clerk commented how the one jade bangle was so unique and gorgeous that she didn't even recommend accessories. (The dress that fit me best and looked the best just happened to be a sale dress!) A fine quality jade bangle makes any outfit look better, and will add instant glamour for dress up. Jade bangles also look great with jeans and tee shirts. All occasion jade! August 3
A couple of times each month I get an email from a customer who purchased a jade bangle bracelet telling me they looked at their new jade bangle with a magnifying glass and see a small line running through it and are concerned their jade bangle has a crack. If you closely examine jade, you will always find something that isn't "perfect", so if you demand perfection, you may never be happy with natural grade A jade or pearls. I updated the information page about how to know if your "line" is a crack or a vein (natural part of jade stone). Chinese jade sellers highly value jade that has veins because it's "proof" that the jade is natural grade A, and not fake or acid washed and color treated. Hope the information is helpful! August 2
Video-New Shipment
The Calm Spirit / Ying Yu Jade complete August newsletter is available online now, click here. This month features Chinese medicine wellness information for August regarding balance of body, mind and spirit. There is information about what kind of jade to wear this month if you wear jade for your health, and more.
