Itoigawa Jadeite Workshop Kotaki

Itoigawa jadeite is a Japanese gem. The jadeite is characterized by the mixed colors of white and green, and shows more color variations such as blue, purple, red and black. The jadeite is a very hard and heavy jade, being called the most valuable gem in China in ancient times. The greater its transparency, the more it is prized.

In approximately 5,000 BC people had made ornaments with polished jadeites, wearing them as a symbol of wealth and power and hoping for eternal youth. The jadeites were brought across the sea and reached continental Asia.

Magatama is Japan’s own specific design with curved, comma-shaped bead and it is said that they symbolize a fetus, tusk, the moon and even the soul. A magatama is one of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan (a mirror, a sword and a magatama) handed down through the imperial generations. The mining of Itoigawa jadeite has been prohibited from 1956 and our workplace has made accessories like bracelets and pendants by using valuable raw ore stocked in our warehouse.