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HONOLULU, Hawaii — The Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki, Honolulu hosts a unique Private Tea Party in which rare exquisite jade will be on display. The date is July 24, from 2 to 6 p.m., and the location is Cina Cina, the premier fine gift shop at the Royal Hawaiian, right off the main lobby. The Tea Party is sponsored by Jade Gallery Hawaii and its owner, Ruby Zhou – one of the leading experts in fine jade in the Islands.

Jade Gallery HawaiiRuby brings a wide selection of unusual jade, worthy of an art gallery or museum display, part of her family treasures from Beijing China. She was born in Beijing, and is a member of the family Zhou — one of China’s oldest and most-respected families. Well-known members include Zhou Dhun-Yi, ancient Taoist philosopher and poet, key advisors to Chinese Emperors, and Ruby’s great-uncle, Zhou En-lai, who served as Premier and Foreign Minister of China for more than 30 years.

Bangles, bracelets, solid jade sculpture, earrings, necklaces and more – and some very unusual white nephrite, “mountain fat” jade; glowing Imperial jade, hand-carved with intricate skill – will be shown. Previews of many items are available on the Web, at www.jadegalleryhawaii.com .

This fine, collectible, investment-grade jade is available to people attending this private show only, at 50-60 percent off retail.

“The value of natural jade has appreciated tremendously in the past five years,” said Ruby Zhou. “Because of our family history and connections in China, we can still acquire wonderful works of jade art. It’s a beautiful alternative investment.” For many years, Ruby ran the Jade & Arts store in the Center Court of the Windward Mall in Kaneohe; earlier this year she decided to “go virtual” on the Web, and offer appointment-only service through showrooms on the North Shore and downtown Honolulu.

Cina Cina, managed by Kyoko Georgeson, already carries a selection of Jade Gallery items, and is co-sponsoring the Tea Party. Kyoko said, “When we first saw Ruby’s jade a few weeks ago, we were impressed with its quality, and the great value she offers. Our customers appreciate the finest gifts and collectibles, and jade fits in perfectly; we’re proud to officially launch our jade collection, and appreciate the support of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.”

Jade has a mystique, and tales of its power fill the history of ancient China. It is said that when people were new on earth, Spirit helped them with a useful gift of rare beauty. He grasped the rainbow, forged it into a jade axe, and cast it onto the earth. People discovered the axe, understood its origin, and ever since they have called jade “The Stone of Heaven.”

Other little-known jade facts: Jade has been in use as a tool, a weapon and a decoration for at least 5,000 years.

Jade is a pure, natural rock, harder than any other natural substance, second only to diamond.

Diamond is a crystal, but jade is solid, so it can be carved and shaped in many ways. Only diamond is hard enough to carve jade.

At the Beijing Olympics, every athlete’s medal was embedded with a piece of pure natural carved jade.

In Hotan China, jade is picked from the river. Long ago, young maidens would disrobe and walk naked in the river at night. Their feminine force (yin) attracted the male force (yang) of the jade, so the young girls could feel the pebbles between their toes, reach down and pick them up.

The public is invited to come and explore the fascinating world of jade, July 24 at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki, Honolulu — 2259 Kalakaua Ave., 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event is free, with complimentary tea and cookies, and validated parking.

More information: www.jadegalleryhawaii.com .