How Ula Nara Selects Jade
At Ula Nara, every piece begins long before it becomes jewellery.
While jade has been treasured for centuries across Asia, we believe its beauty lies not only in rarity or value, but in its individuality. No two pieces of jade are exactly alike. Each carries its own colour, translucency, texture, and pattern formed naturally over time. For this reason, we do not purchase jade solely according to grades or categories. Instead, every stone is selected by hand.
Chosen One Piece at a Time
Unlike large-scale jewellery production, where stones are often sourced in bulk to achieve uniformity, our approach is more deliberate. We review individual stones and select those that possess characteristics that complement the design we have in mind.
Sometimes it is a soft translucency that catches the light in a particular way. Sometimes it is a subtle variation of green that brings warmth and depth to a piece. In other cases, it is the stone’s shape, proportion, or natural pattern that makes it uniquely suited to a specific design.
Rather than forcing the jade to fit the jewellery, we allow the character of the stone to influence the final piece.
Sourced Primarily from China
The majority of our jade originates from China, a country with a long and rich history of jade craftsmanship spanning thousands of years.
China remains one of the world’s most important centres for jade cutting, carving, and finishing. Generations of artisans have developed specialised knowledge in working with the material, transforming raw stones into forms that reveal their natural beauty.
By sourcing from experienced suppliers and workshops, we are able to access a wide variety of jade shapes and finishes while maintaining consistency in quality and craftsmanship.
Beyond Traditional Grading
Jade is often discussed in terms of grades, colour intensity, or translucency. While these factors are important, they do not tell the whole story.
At Ula Nara, we are equally interested in how a stone feels within a design. A softly coloured jade with gentle clouding may be far more beautiful in a minimalist necklace than a darker, more saturated stone. Likewise, subtle natural variations can add depth and individuality that cannot be replicated.
Our focus is not simply on finding the highest grade jade, but on finding the right jade for each piece.
Designed Around the Material
We believe jewellery should celebrate the material from which it is made.
For this reason, our designs are intentionally restrained. Clean lines, thoughtful proportions, and carefully chosen sterling silver settings allow the jade to remain the focal point. We favour designs that highlight the stone’s natural qualities rather than overwhelm them.
The result is jewellery that feels timeless, versatile, and personal.
No Two Pieces Are Exactly Alike
Because jade is a natural material, variations in colour, translucency, and pattern should be expected and appreciated. These characteristics are part of what make each piece unique.
When you choose a piece from Ula Nara, you are selecting a stone that has been individually considered for its beauty, balance, and suitability within the design. It is this process of careful selection that gives every piece its own quiet character.
Our Philosophy
We believe the most beautiful jewellery begins with thoughtful choices. By selecting each jade individually and designing around its natural qualities, we create pieces that are honest in material, understated in design, and made to be worn for years to come.
