My Story
This is my personal story - ups, downs, and all - of how and why I started Shanshui Jade. I hope you like it.
ー Yaphet 亚非
2024: A Leap of Faith
In 2024 I made the most important decision of my life. I left a stable corporate job and, seven months later, moved to China to study Mandarin and jade.
I've spent most of my life fascinated by Chinese culture and history, and I've given up a lot to pursue that love. So, the heart of Shanshui Jade is simple: to turn that passion into the best jade jewelry curated with the deepest care, attention, and knowledge.
2007: A Trip to China
Shanshui Jade, spiritually, started in 2007. After years of bugging her, my mom made the fateful decision to bring me on a trip to Beijing. That trip permanently changed my life.
To this day, my mom still tells me how I made her stop every time I saw jade. Some days on that trip ran quite late.
A Lifetime of Study, Freely Given
Living in China has given me a lot to learn: a long ancient history, an endlessly diverse culture, and a language where learning never ends.
But, there's one more thing: real generosity. Shanshui Jade is just as much a creation of my own experiences as it is the countless, wonderfully helpful Chinese friends I've made along the way. Multi-generation jade jewelers, life-long students of jade, young and passionate creatives - all these people have left their mark on my jewelry.
And if you look close enough, I think you can see it too.