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Beader’s dictionary


J

JADE (See products)

The term Jade refers to a green colored stone, known for more than 7000 years. However, this term refers to two distinct minerals: jadeite and nephrite. Because it is very difficult to differentiate them, the term jade remains. Jade derives its name from the spanish words “piedra de hijada” which mean “kidney stone”, as this stone was used as a talisman to cure or prevent kidney aches. Jadeite and nephrite are used in jewelry making. They are often cut into beads or cabochons, however, they are also used to make decorative and cultural pieces. A little bit of history : Jade has been used with predilection for the past 2000 years by China, to sculpt their art pieces.

Jadeite (See products)

Jadeite is generally a green colored stone, but can be found in almost any other color. It can be transparent to opaque. Jadeite is harder and rarer than nephrite, therefore, it is considered to be a more precious than it. The main deposits are in Myanmar, Canada, the United States of America, Kazakhstan, Japan, Mexico and Russia. Synthetic jadeite as well as several imitation are available.

Nephrite (See products)

Nephrite is similar to jadeite, usually green colored, it can also come in various other color. Though, the most sought after color remains green. Opaque, this stone is usually unicolored but can be cloudy or spotted. Its name is derived from the greek word nephros that means “kidney”. Deposit are mainly in New-Zealand, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the United States, Mexico, Russia, Taiwan and in Zimbabwe. Nephrite is more widespread than jadeite. A little bit of history: Nephrite is sometimes called “axe stone” because it was used to make weapons and tools during prehistoric times.

JASPER (See products)

Jaspers are precious stones that are part of the quartz family. Jaspers are opaque stones that are available in many colors and are usually freckled, striped or multicolored. Monochromatic jaspers are extremely rare. Jaspers are often found as cabochons, beads or used to create art pieces or mosaics. There are various types of Jaspers; the picture jasper which has a sand color veined with brownish-black, the mookaite which is found in shades of pink to dark red, the leopard skin jasper which is spotted, the orbicular jasper which is sprinkled with circular spots that range from beige to black, the dalmatian jasper that is beige with black spots, the jaspagate (also agate jasper) which is yellow, brown or green mixed with agate, the stratified ribboned jasper that comes in various colors, the sanguine jasper or heliotrope which is dark green with red accents. The main deposits are found in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, in the United-States, in India, Kazakhstan, madagascar, Russia and Uruguay.

JEWEL

A jewelry piece is a body decoration, an ornament that can enhance one's outfit, display one’s personality, wealth or social status. There are several types of jewelry: necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, brooches, etc. The use of embellishments to accessorize clothing is as old as wearing garments themselves. The first jewels were made of natural and organic materials such as wood, bone and amber. They were roughly carved or sculpted. With the advancement of civilization, the use of fancier materials becomes more popular everyday. Metals, precious or not, become the main components. The stones are cut with more elegance and precision, and sculpted jewels becomes works of art. Over time, glass and more technological and synthetic materials such as plastic, resin, rubber and synthetic stones created in laboratories are becoming commonplace in the creation of jewelry. There are two categories of jewelry: Fancy jewelry is made of the finest materials by a jeweler. The resulting pieces are usually unique or available in limited quantities. These are high quality jewelry. Fashion jewelry, handmade jewelry, also called custom jewelry, differ from fancy jewelry as it is not necessarily made of precious metals and gemstones. All materials can be used to make a piece of fashion jewelry. This type of jewelry can be handmade or produced on an industrial scale. The creation of fashion jewelry is often the object of creative leisure, although many also derive an income.

JIG TEMPLATE PLATE

Tool that includes metal disks and pegs of different diameters. This tool help create metal wire pieces of regular and assorted shapes, links, connectors etc. It is especially useful to replicate patterns and to guarantee a certain symmetry to the pieces you make (such as a pair of earrings). Use it with flexible metal wires such as copper, aluminum and silver of any caliber of your liking.

JUMP RING FINGER RING (See products)

Tool that facilitates and accelerates opening and closing jump rings. Insert it on your index or middle finger and slide in the jump ring in the appropriate slot depending on the thickness of the ring. Open or close with a torsion of your wrist. Openings of various sizes enable the insertion of rings of various sizes. It’s highly important to use this tool with chain nose pliers in your other hand.