STORY AND PHOTOS BY HELEN SERRAS-HERMAN
Jade from Guatemala is a rare gem material that comes in many diffierent colors. Jade was prevalent in the ancient Mesoamerican cultures, and the currently mined material was re-discovered less than 50 years ago. Tourists visiting Guatemala today have the opportunity to visit museums and admire the ancient treasures, and then go to shops that sell contemporary artwork made from Guatemala jade. Here in the United States, the market is more familiar with nephrite jade from China, jadeite from Burma, or nephrite jade from Wyoming, California, and Canada. We rarely encounter jade from Guatemala as rough, slabs and jewelry, and thus it is difficult to understand and appreciate its value.