Weathered

The kind of color palette that only comes from things that have been through something. Warm coral, rusty orange, cream that's seen some sun — all of it running through beads with that crackled, textured surface that looks like fired clay or sun-baked earth.

This bracelet is graduated — larger round beads at the center that taper down to smaller beads on the sides. The sizing gives it movement and visual interest that a single-size bracelet doesn't have. It sits on the wrist like something that belongs there. The crackled texture catches light differently than a polished smooth bead, and the color variation from bead to bead means no two of these will ever look exactly the same.

Weathered. Because the most interesting things usually are.

Part of Unearthed — a collection of natural gemstone bracelets, each stone chosen for what it looks like straight out of the earth.

THE STONE

Coral Jade nephrite or serpentine / iron oxide coloring / natural crackling

Coral jade is a trade name for a variety of jade — typically nephrite or serpentine — that has been naturally or thermally treated to develop its characteristic warm coral-to-rust color range and crackled surface texture. The color comes from iron oxide content within the stone, and the crackling is a result of the natural fracture patterns within the mineral structure. Jade itself has one of the longest and most significant histories of any stone in human civilization. In China, jade has been revered for over seven thousand years — it was considered the "stone of heaven," associated with virtue, purity, and immortality, and used in everything from burial suits to imperial seals to everyday ornaments. Mesoamerican cultures including the Maya and Aztec placed jade above gold in value, using it in ceremonial objects, jewelry, and offerings. In New Zealand, Maori culture developed a rich tradition of working with nephrite jade — called pounamu — for tools, weapons, and heirlooms passed across generations. The warm coral and orange tones of this particular variety give it a very different visual character from the green jade most people recognize, but the stone beneath the color carries all of that same long history.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Coral jade is a durable stone and holds up well with basic care. The crackled surface texture, while beautiful, can trap oils and residue more readily than a smooth polished stone — wipe clean regularly with a soft dry cloth. Remove before swimming, soaking, or showering to protect the stretch cord and prevent moisture from settling into the surface texture. Avoid harsh chemicals, perfumes, and lotions. Store flat or in a pouch between wears. The color and crackling are natural characteristics of this stone and will not change with normal wear.