Although not well known in the west, Jade is a very popular jewelry among Chinese people, especially women. Jade is known for its graceful color and elaborately carved patterns, as well as mythical powers in chasing away bad luck.

At Baigong Handicraft Museum, I found a shop specializing in jadeite ware. The shop assistant guaranteed that all of their jewelry are made of top grade jadeite, which are the best. Raw jade is imported from Burma, and they are then carved by master craftsmen in Guangzhou.

For ladies, the shop offers bracelets and necklace pendants with Buddha and Ping An Kou (literally means button of protection). A bracelet usually costs several thousand yuan. For men, they have pendants such as Guanyin (the Goddess of Mercy) and Pi Xiu (legendary animal which eats and retains wealth). A yellow-colored Pi Xiu cost about 600 yuan.

Also on display was a big, crude, black-colored jadeite stone. The shop assistant turned on a small flashlight against the stone, so I could see beautiful, charming green light shining into it. It was amazing to see graceful jadeite ware made from this kind of stone.

What I appreciated

Top grade jadeite jewelry

What customers appreciate

Top-quality jadeite articles, intricate workmanship

On the west side of Wangfujing Street lies a jewelry shop named Heng Fu Sheng, or "everlasting wealth and prosperity" in English. The shop mainly sells necklaces, pendants, and bracelets.

On the necklace pendant section, I found a large variety of jadeite pendants in showcases. The designs included Buddha (fit for women), Guanyin (the Goddess of Mercy, fit for men), and the twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac, such as rat, ox, tiger and rabbit.

The most appealing pendant to me was a Pixiu, the fortunate animal in Chinese legend. With a dragon's head, a deer’s ears, a goat’s horns, a lion’s body, a phoenix’s tail, a tiger's paws, and a pair of wings, a Pixiu can ward off evil and increase wealth for its owner. This Pixiu in jasper and yellow looked very exquisite and vivid. The price tag for it was RMB 2,800, but customers could have it for 60% off.

The shop also sells grade-A jadeite bracelet at 500 yuan each.

What I appreciated

Exquisite jadeite jewelry, attractive discount

What customers appreciate

Graceful jadeite jewelry, huge discount

Beijing jade sculpture may be traced back to the Neolithic Age, and known as one of the "eight greatest handicrafts of Beijing." There are many types of jade stones, including white jade, jasper, celadon jade, crystal, amethystine quartz, etc. These stones, though, can be of a priceless art treasure only after fine design and masterly work. One such studio which does such fine work locates on the first floor of Baigong Handicraft Museum.

This jade carving studio sells both uncut jade stones and elaborate jade articles. On my visit to the shop, elaborate jade pendants seemed to be the feature. They have Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, for men and Buddha for women. Another common design is Pi Xiu, a chimera-like legendary animal that love to devour and keep treasures.

For a western style, I found a jade cross for RMB 680. Bracelets made of green jade or red agate are available as well, with prices ranging from RMB 400 to RMB 600 each.

Make sure you look at the valuable jade sculptures like cabbage, and maize, on display while you’re there.

What I appreciated

Exquisite jade ware, jade sculpture display

What customers appreciate

Wide selections, studio let you understand the craft

Located at the northeast corner of Caishikou Intersection, Xingbaixuan Gold & Jewelry Shop is a huge store selling gold, platinum, jadeite and crystal jewelry. Every category has a wide range of patterns for customers to choose from.

The eastern section in the shop specializes in jewelry made from jade, such as necklaces, pendants, and bracelets. Chinese people consider jade a symbol of auspiciousness which will bring safety and health, while westerners admire its grace, mystery, and romantic nature.

The pendant patterns are mainly divided into two categories: Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, and Pi Xiu, God’s animals in ancient Chinese legends which will absorb and keep wealth for you. Prices for jadeite Pi Xiu range from RMB 550 to RMB 4380. And the most valuable Guanyin pendant costs 180 thousand yuan. The green, fine jadeite Guanyin looks shining and translucent, while the halo around her head and the lotus pedestal under her crossed legs are made of platinum. Usually, patrons can enjoy some discount here.

The other parts of the shop carry various gold jewelry, including necklaces, pendants, bracelets, eardrops, and commemorative coins. The jewelries featured include both Chinese and western designs, in many unique patterns. The price for G999 per gram during my visit is RMB 226.

What I appreciated

Solid gold and jadeite jewelry, elaborate designs.

What customers appreciate

Large gold & jewelry shop, a wide variety of patterns for choice, good quality.

To the Chinese, jade can bring about health, peace and good fortune, depending on the design. Carrying a jade during your stay in China can only help your fortunes.

In the south building of Xidan Department Store lies the Hengchang Jewelry Outlet, the most famous brand for jewelry in Beijing. You should have no problem finding the glittering, translucent jadeite pendants in the showcases. Their patterns mainly take on two forms: Guanyin, the goddess of mercy, and Pi Xiu, animals of the gods in ancient Chinese legends.

As the story goes, Pi is male, and Xiu is female. Both have a dragon’s head, a deer’s ears, a goat’s horns, a lion’s body, a phoenix’s tail, a tiger’s paws, and a pair of wings. They can fly above clouds, and are very brave and mighty. Pi can store wealth, while Xiu can conquer evils. In traditional Chinese society, people thought of Pi and Xiu as fortunate animals that absorb wealth and conquer demons for their owner.

So to ward off evil and increase your wealth, ask for a Pi Xiu pendant. Prices vary according to jadeite’s quality. A smaller white pendant costs RMB 700, while another greenish black one of the same size costs RMB 2000.

What I appreciated

Quality jadeite, necklace pendants in the shape of Pi Xiu.

What customers appreciate

Exquisite jadeite jewelry, pendants of Pi Xiu from ancient legends.

Colorful Yunnan is a large shopping center which specializes in quality jadeites and diamonds made in the Yunnan province.

The center occupies a very large area spread on three floors. On the first level, a great many necklace pendants made of jadeites are on display. All items are divided into areas according to prices. Some rare jadeite pendants, worth of nearly half a million yuans, are on display at an exhibition area. On the second floor, jadeite bracelets are on sale. On the third floor, a wide variety of diamonds are on display.

Colorful Yunnan guarantees that all jadeite raw materials are from Burma. All items are marked with real prices, and customers can exchange their jewelry for higher priced ones within 3 months of purchase if the jewelry is intact.

What customers appreciate

Genuine jadeites and diamonds, guaranteed quality, wide variety of jewelry items to select from, real prices, nice shopping environment.