Profiles in Design

David Lin –
Jade’s Ultimate Master

“Gold has a price, but jade does not.” – Chinese Proverb

>> By Diana S. Zimmerman, Special Features Corresponden

Since the dawn of civilization, the many colors and sensuous luster of jade have captivated the imagination of kings and commoners, alike. Thousands of years ago, it was not only fashioned into decorative art, but used to create axes and knives.

Throughout the millennia, jade has been used in religious ceremonies, for protection, good luck, and healing. Referred to as The Stone of Heaven” by the ancient Chinese, it is said to embody the Confucian virtues of justice, courage, and wisdom. Jade derived its current name from the Spanish conquistadors who called it piedra de jada.”

If jade has an ultimate master, it is perhaps David Lin. Not only does he design and manufacture remarkable jewelry, but searches the world to fi nd the precious stones he utilizes. Lin’s quest has taken him through jungles and small villages in China, Burma, and Th ailand. Jade is found in many countries,” he explains, including the United States, Russia, Japan, and Guatemala, but Myanmar (Burma) is the principal source for premium grade jadeite.”

In its raw form, jade is covered by a hard rough rock. At jade auctions,” Lin continues, the buyer has only a shallow cut in the surface of the outside stone to determine its color, quality, and worth. A large block might also be cut in half, but even that does not reveal everything.” Lin believes that it is only with a trained eye, gained through years of experience, that the best stones are found. Th ere is a great deal to consider when buying a stone,” he insists. It is a huge gamble. Sometimes the stone is not what it appears to be.”

Born in Shanghai, Lin learned the jade business from his father, T. S. Lin, a jade merchant from Southern China. Today, David is known throughout the world as a master designer, craftsman, and jade expert, dealing with all colors, including the elusive and glowing transparent variety. He is often called upon as a lecturer and appraiser of jade jewelry and artifacts.

For some, the beauty of jade is in perfectly polished pieces. For others, it is the artistry of the carving that makes it so exquisite. But for David Lin, be it mounted with diamonds or intricately carved, it is the creation of perfection and beauty that is essential. For those who are lucky enough to wear a David Lin jewel, it is certainly more precious than gold. (www.jadesbydavidlin.com)