Jade is one of the rarest stones in the world. As a matter of fact, there are only two places in the entire world where you can find Jade: China and Guatemala. Antigua, Guatemala is known to have the best stores for Jade and with that come Jade Museums which show case the history of Jade and also how it is made into the jewelry we use today.
What you can learn and see at the Jade Museum
Replicas of all sizes
Store front – here is finished product. The reason this is important, is that many stones look like Jade, but few truly are. Chances are if you’re pay too cheap, that’s cause it isn’t real.
Here you will get a certification of authenticity.
The museum is fun to walk around and learn about Guatemala culture of ancient and modern times.
History – the Maya believed the Jade gem stone was much more valuable than gold. But when the Conquistadors arrived, they didn’t want to do anything with it. And actually killed the Maya if they wore it. So it slowly was forgotten for over 500 years.
Artifacts and figurines and art
Tools of how the ancient Maya made the Jade stone come to life.
The Workshop – the modern tools for making the Jade come to life today.
Marimba – made completely of Jade stone
The way Jade is found.
These are famous masks that the Maya used to wear. The more Jade was buried with people the higher ranked they were. Both of these masks were found with ancient Maya kings.
Jade stones. Believe it or not Jade comes in many different colors. Green is one of them, but the purest form of it is actually purple.
Jade Museum in Antigua, Guatemala
That marimba is gorgeous! This would be a great place to get a very special souvenir like a piece of jade jewelry.
I just got back from China… I had no idea there was jade in Guatemala wow!
Hey Abby,
Yes, it’s apparently better than in China.