J A D E in Antigua Guatemala

JADES S.A™ The first and original jade Factory welcomes you to our website. We hope you will enjoy the three thousand year history of jade its importance to the early cultures of the Americas.

Antigua Guatemala is known worldwide as a place to shop for Guatemala's high quality jade, one of the finest jades in the world.  There are two types of jade: Nephrite and Jadeite. Guatemala has Jadeite,  a precious stone sacred to the Mayans. It is harder and denser than the more common Nephrite type of jade, and is gaining in popularity throughout the world, especially the rare color black. The Guatemalans are grateful to Pierre de Vaux, from Belgium, who in the early 1970's rediscovered the ancient craft of carving Guatemala's jade.  Since that time, jade has become an important cultural resource and industry in Guatemala and has attracted many foreign investors. Today, many local Guatemalans have taken a personal interest in preserving their indigenous art forms, thus creating new jobs for their people and making a Guatemalan treasure easily affordable for all classes of travelers.   Jade shines and does not scratch easily. It can only be cut with a diamond blade or stainless steel. There is a fierce competition among the Jade factories and shops nowadays, creating a better selection and prices for the consumers and tourists. Years ago, no Guatemalans could get into the Jade marketing because it was monopolized by the foreigners. The monopoly started breaking down in 1987  by several  Guatemalans who opened shops  regaining in this way part of their rights and inheritance from their ancestors. Nowadays, you can see the natives selling Jade on the streets. 

THE POWER OF JADE: This fine stone has been appreciated by several cultures for its special properties, for adornment and for special offerings to their gods. Some Chinese cultures used to believe that swallowing jade dust would preserve them and keep them young. One of the most common properties is that jade keeps the wearer of the stone in a good mood. Also, the black jade is considered good for doing business and for protection from evil. The Spaniards thought that jade was good to heal kidneys. In many cultures they believe that by carving or engraving your name in any specific material you acquire their properties. In the case of the black jade, it is supposed to give firmness, aggressiveness, and adventure. (You should feel the rock in your hands to acknowledge these properties)

The most important Jade Stores are: Jade S.A  Factory (COUPON  )(oldest one), Jades Imperio Maya S.A. ,La Casa de Jade, El Reino del Jade (Coupon )and others.

Landmark of Antigua

Arch of Santa Catalina, part of the original convent, which is now the Hotel Convento

To request the best deal for your room at Hotel Convento click here.