"Stone of heaven," a term used by the Chinese to describe what they view as the most precious of gems….JADE. The use of carved jade has been an integral part of Chinese society for more than 6,000 years, playing significant roles in Chinese politics, economics, philosophy, and religion. Considered the sacred stone of China, the use of jade spans all ranks and classes and holds spiritual as well as commercial value. To the ancient Chinese, it embodied qualities of nobility, perfection, constancy and immortality; a symbolic link between man and the spiritual world.