Jadeite is a stone people instantly recognise, and in Chinese culture, it’s valued not just for its beauty but for its spiritual significance for the mind, body, and soul. Green is the colour most people associate with jadeite, yet the stone appears in a wide spectrum. Lavender, red, orange, yellow, brown, white, and even black all have their place in this jadeite world.
This year, DeGem turns its attention to the precious gemstone as a symbol of Southeast Asian Chinese identity through its campaign, Jadeite in Motion. To bring that idea to life, the brand collaborates with SEA Games Wushu medallist Sydney Chin, presenting a series of designer pieces that highlight the natural beauty of jadeite. Wushu becomes an apt companion. The discipline carries both softness and force, and jewellery works similarly. A gemstone requires pressure and shaping to reach its form, yet the final piece depends on patience and precision.
With more than 45 years in the jewellery industry, DeGem works exclusively with Type A jadeite, the stone in its most natural and untreated state. Traditional cutting techniques preserve their character, while careful polishing maintains their original colour and translucency. Burmese jadeite from Myanmar has long been central to the brand’s offering. Alongside it sits Guatemalan jadeite, recognised for its cool blue-green hues and even translucency, giving the collection a distinct visual contrast between the two sources.
Jadeite’s place in Chinese culture runs deep, often associated with protection, harmony, and continuity across generations. Those ideas appear throughout the collection. The Leaf Jadeite Diamond pendant symbolises renewal and growth, while the Peace Amulet Jadeite Diamond earrings speak to calm and balance. Throughout the collection, symbolic designs appear, from the gourd to the half-moon, each piece timeless in style and made to be worn across generations.
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