Gump's Jade Necklace Early Multi-Color Collector's Piece

The luminous untreated jadeite jade beads that compose this 20" necklace are so faintly light green, that they appear white. Well, but not white; not really, because they are far too fascinating to be merely white like a piece of paper or a sheet. It is as if an apparition has assumed bead form and settled around the neck. These gorgeous, succulent beads seem filled with a reserve of light they have gathered during the day in order to release back into the night like a whisper. If you like pearls but wish for something denser, more grounded in the material world, these may be for you. They do look like pearls from a distance, a pristine strand of vintage cultured Akoya pearls. But then, up close, what are they? White sapphires? What could they be? Most people, of course, have no idea jade is anything other than green. The individual beads measure approximately 8.5mm for a clean, unified presentation around the neck. I am a second-generation collector of jade and have loved Gump's jade jewelry all my life. Gump's was an iconic San Francisco department store that was founded in the 19th century and awed the world with their remarkable and unique pieces until 2005 when they were sold. Gump's never used any dyed or treated jade in any of their jewelry, so they remain one of very few brands that you never need to have tested; vintage Gump...

This multicolor jade necklace from the 1950s or thereabouts was created by the venerable Hawaiian jewelry store, Ming's. Like Gump's in San Francisco, ...

Finely detailed estate Gump's double strand aquamarine necklace finished with a 14k yellow gold clasp. Tumbled aquamarine beads measure (average) 15mm x 5mm. The aquamarines are i...

Multi-Color Pearl Choker Necklace with Rose Quartz & Chrysoprase Gold Filled Clasp Designer J Dauphin he Multi-Color Pearl Choker Necklace features an ensemble of pearls, rose qua...