I picked out this jade gemstone donut for the pendant at the outdoor market in Beijing, China. The pale minty green or sea green color shows whisps of paler and darker green inside making it look like a foamy sea under the glassy surface of the jade.
I have hand knotted this piece with light jade green silk thread using three sizes of new jade beads and a strong silver plated magnetic double bead style clasp. The smoothness of the jade and the lightness of the piece make it comfortable to wear.
The necklace is a small size at 15 3/4 inches (40cm) in length. Jade donut pendant is 1 1/8 inches in diameter (3cm). New jade beads exhibit natural veining, opaque mottling and some specs of dark occlusions.
I was influenced to make this piece after a recent visit to the Smithsonian Freer and Sackler collections of Asian art in Washington DC. I think this would make a beautiful addition to any jewelry collection. The elegance of the jade and the simplicity of the design make this a great every day piece to dress or down as the occasion requires.
