text: Out of all hobbies, beading probably gobbled up most of my time and money. It all started from an evil moment when I innocently strolled into an evil Japanese bookstore selling evil craft books. I innocently flipped through an evil beading magazine and got hooked by its evil designs. I tell you, these things are evil!
  Then of course, being as arrogant as I was, I picked an intricate pattern from the magazine as my first project. Looks like a leisurely 1-hour diversion, right? Unsurprisingly to the wise reader, it turned out to be a full night of literally blinding frustration. But, being as stubborn as I was, I just HAD to finish this darn thing!
  20 strictly-following-the-pattern projects later, I started to venture into designing. Another 30 experiments of stringing, weaving, chain-linking, and wire-wrapping later, I finally remembered my small Chinese jade collection…
  I first started collecting Chinese jade many years ago. I went to the local jade market whenever I was traveling in Asia. At that time, one can still get quality jade carved with excellent craftsmanship at a reasonable price. Of course, I could only afford to buy small, new pieces. Authentic antiques – mostly burial items from ancient tombs - are sold at astronomical prices. Works for me that I’m no Lara Croft!
  Chinese jade is a vast archaeological, geoscientific, cultural, and artistic field that I am no expert of, but suffice to say that jadeite (hard jade) and nephrite (soft jade) are the 2 main types found today. Jadeite, typically in bright emerald, was imported into China from Burma only starting from the last dynasty (Qing Dynasty) of China. Nephrite (commonly known as white jade), what I collected, was imported through the silk road from Khotan and has a much longer history in China. Most antique Chinese jade would be nephrite, which naturally comes in white, green, yellow, and black. Those used as burial items can undergo chemical reaction with contact minerals and display a rainbow of “naturally-dyed” colors (which is totally different from the factory-dyed “jadeite” you can see everywhere). But of course, none of my pieces are old enough to be dyed!
  In recent years, small quality jade pieces have become very difficult to find. Although my buying power has increased (still not enough to buy true “investment pieces” of course), buying opportunities have practically vanished. I am so glad I did not “wait” when I had the chance! The Chinese believes good jade follows a good master. I’m lucky to have the honor to be master of some very elegant pieces!
  One of my first jade beaded jewelry. I know, it's actually much simpler than my first beading project...
  Jade Beading - Asian-Fusion Jewelry Gallery
  These are jewelry (mainly necklaces) I designed over the years with Chinese jade as focal points. I would say my style is more of an Asian fusion style. Chinese jade is hefty by nature; I think the blend of East and West softens the heaviness, giving it a modern touch and also makes it more wearable.
  Being the capricious thing I am, I went through many different beading techniques in my designs. There was stringing, wire braiding, seed bead weaving, wire-wrapping, metal chains and linking, macrame, etc. I love learning new techniques! And to me, each jade piece has its unique character and I'd hate to stick them in the same old template over and over again. Of all the different elements, metal chains have become my favorite. I just love how its intricate fluidity balances the solid consistency of Chinese jade. Plus, in a much less artsy aspect, chains and links are so much easier to work with than stuff like seed beads. I have to admit, seed bead weaving is NOT for the faint of eyes (yes I am getting old)!
  Other than Chinese jade, I've also used Asian-themed focal pieces of other materials such as ceramic, cloisonne, metal, glass, and cinnabar. These are great accessible alternatives for those interested in Asian fusion style but does not have access to Chinese jade. The possibilities are endless! Are you a fellow beader/jewelry maker? Do you define your style as Asian fusion? Have pics to share? Let me know!