Is this real jade or dyed / fake?

All Yuora pieces use natural Grade A nephrite jade — untreated, undyed, and free from chemical enhancement. Each piece may show slight color variation, which is a sign of authenticity, not a defect. Perfectly uniform green color is usually a red flag for dyed jade.

Will the color fade over time?

Grade A nephrite does not fade. Many wearers notice the stone develops a deeper, richer luster over years of skin contact, often called nourishing the jade. Only dyed Grade C jade fades, which is why Yuora does not use it.

Is this nephrite or jadeite?

Yuora uses natural Hetian nephrite jade, sourced from Xinjiang, China. All product listings clearly state the jade type. If a listing says nephrite, it is nephrite.

Should I wear it on my left or right wrist?

In Chinese tradition, the left wrist is for receiving energy, luck, protection, and positive chi. The right wrist is for giving energy outward. Most people wear jade bracelets on the left for this reason, but you can wear it wherever it feels right for you.

Does it still work if I don't believe in it?

Many wearers treat jade as a daily intention reminder rather than a supernatural object. It can serve as a physical anchor to values like patience, protection, and forward momentum. You do not need to believe in feng shui for it to be meaningful or beautiful.

Can I gift this to someone not born in the Horse year?

Yes. Zodiac jade pieces can be gifted to anyone. The zodiac animal represents the qualities you are wishing upon the recipient, such as strength, ambition, and luck, not a restriction on who may wear it.

Can I shower or swim with it?

The jade itself is water-resistant, but the red cord is not. Prolonged water exposure can weaken the string fibers and may cause fraying or snapping over time. Remove before showering, swimming, or washing dishes. The jade stone can be gently cleaned with a damp cloth.

How long does the red string last?

With proper care, such as avoiding water, chemicals, and rough storage, the red cord typically lasts 12 to 18 months of daily wear. In Chinese tradition, a worn or broken string is not bad luck. The jade pendant can always be re-strung.

Will it fit my wrist / neck?

All Yuora bracelets and necklaces use adjustable sliding knot closures, fitting most wrist sizes from approximately 5 inches to 8.5 inches and neck sizes up to 20 inches. If you have a specific measurement concern, contact Yuora before ordering.

What Is Hetian Nephrite Jade?

What Is Hetian Nephrite Jade? (And Why It Matters When You Buy)

If you've ever shopped for jade jewelry, you've probably come across the term "Hetian nephrite jade" — but what does it actually mean, and why should it matter to you as a buyer?

This guide breaks down everything you need to know: what nephrite is, why Hetian is considered the gold standard, and how to tell the difference between real jade and the imitations flooding the market.

What Is Nephrite Jade?

Jade is a broad term that actually refers to two distinct minerals: nephrite and jadeite. While both are called "jade," they have different compositions, properties, and histories.

Nephrite is a calcium magnesium silicate mineral known for its exceptional toughness. It's denser and more resistant to breaking than jadeite, which makes it ideal for everyday jewelry. Its color range runs from creamy white to deep spinach green, with subtle variations that make each piece unique.

For thousands of years across Chinese history, nephrite was the jade — revered by emperors, worn by scholars, and gifted between generations as a symbol of virtue, protection, and good fortune.

Why Hetian (Xinjiang) Jade Is Special

Not all nephrite is created equal. The most prized nephrite in the world comes from the Hetian region of Xinjiang, China — and has been for over 5,000 years.

Hetian nephrite is distinctive for several reasons:

• Density and texture: Hetian nephrite is exceptionally fine-grained, giving it a smooth, waxy luster that's unmistakable to the touch.

• Color and opacity: Ranges from soft celadon greens to rich spinach greens, often with a warm, milky quality.

• Toughness: One of the toughest natural stones in existence — it handles daily wear without chipping or cracking under normal conditions.

• Cultural significance: Hetian jade was used for imperial seals, burial suits, and ritual objects in ancient China. Its historical pedigree is unmatched.

All jade used in Yuora pieces is natural Hetian nephrite sourced from Xinjiang — the same region that has supplied China's finest jade for millennia.

Grade A, B, and C — What the Grades Actually Mean

When buying jade, you'll often see it graded as A, B, or C. This isn't about quality of appearance — it's about treatment. Here's what each grade means:

Grade A — Natural and Untreated

Grade A jade has not been chemically treated in any way. The color, texture, and structure are exactly as nature produced them. This is the only grade considered authentic jade by serious buyers and collectors. Its value holds or appreciates over time, and it's safe for daily skin contact.

Grade B — Bleached and Polymer-Filled

Grade B jade has been chemically bleached to remove impurities and injected with polymer resin to improve its appearance. It may look cleaner than Grade A initially, but degrades over time — the resin yellows, the structure weakens, and the color can change. It's not safe for people with skin sensitivities.

Grade C — Dyed Jade

Grade C jade is artificially colored to mimic higher grades. The dye fades with sun exposure, sweat, and normal wear. It's common in very cheap jade jewelry and should be avoided entirely.

All Yuora pieces use Grade A Hetian nephrite — untreated, undyed, and authenticated before use.

How to Spot Fake or Treated Jade

Knowing what to look for protects you from paying for something that isn't what it claims to be:

• Too-perfect color: Genuinely natural jade has slight variation in color and texture. Perfectly uniform, vivid green is almost always a red flag for dyed jade.

• Surface bubbles or cloudiness: Polymer-filled jade sometimes shows micro-bubbles or unnatural clarity under magnification.

• Weight: Real nephrite feels dense and substantial. Very lightweight "jade" is often glass or plastic imitation.

• Temperature: Genuine jade stays cool to the touch and warms gradually with skin contact — unlike glass, which warms quickly.

Natural variation is a feature, not a flaw. If a piece of jade looks identical from every angle, treat that as reason to ask more questions.

Why Nephrite Develops a Patina Over Time

One of the most remarkable qualities of Grade A nephrite is the way it responds to the wearer. In Chinese jade culture, this is called "nourishing the jade" (养玉) — the idea that daily skin contact, body warmth, and natural oils slowly deepen the luster of the stone.

Long-time wearers often describe their jade developing a richer, warmer glow over years of wear. This patina isn't a sign of degradation — it's a sign of a genuine, living stone responding to its owner.

Dyed or polymer-treated jade cannot develop this patina. It only fades.

Final Thoughts

When you see "natural Hetian nephrite jade" on a product, you're reading a specific, meaningful claim — not generic marketing language. It tells you the mineral type, the source region, and by implication, the standard of quality being held.

At Yuora, we use the term precisely because it's accurate. Every piece we make starts with natural Grade A Hetian nephrite — sourced, selected, and described transparently so you know exactly what you're wearing.