ANTIQUE HARDSTONE BOXES

Hardstone is a term which is used to define semi-precious stones which are often used in jewellery and other decorative arts.

Hardstone boxes can be plain or carved with intricate and delicate designs. Hardstone can also be inlaid into marble and other substances.

Hardstones include amber, jet, jade, quartz, chalcedony, agate, amethyst, sard, onyx, carnelion, heliotrope and jasper. Below are some examples of hardstone boxes.

White Jade Box This box is of Chinese origin and made from white jade. Chinese jade has been carved since around 3000BC. White jade was often found on the banks of the Yorungqash River. Translated, Yorungash means White Jade River and is named because of the white jade found there.