Deep in the heart of the Canadian North, under the shadow of the rugged British Columbian mountains lie beds of nephrite jade. Here amongst the green grass and wild flowers the jade sits in its majesty. First discovered in the 1960s and 70s these jade deposits have since been found to be the largest in the world.

In the late 1990s something very unexpected happened. Just south of the Yukon border a remarkable new find was discovered. It contained stone so green, so clear, so vibrant, it was unlike any other jade ever found. Inspired by its surroundings it became known as “Polar Jade”. Under scientific investigation it was found to be harder than any other variety of Nephrite. The stone shines to a brilliant polish and has been set as a gem in precious jewellery. It has been recognised by the spiritual community as holding great power. As a carving material it is elevated into the world of fine art. Indeed the arrival of Polar Jade has changed the way the world looks at Nephrite.

In the year 2000 a most amazing discovery was made. It was the largest boulder ever found of flawless, gem-quality Polar Jade. This 18 tonne boulder was named “Polar Pride”. In the world of jade, it has been described by internationally known Gem Author, Fred Ward, as “the find of the millennium”.

Shortly after “Polar Pride” was discovered, the manager of the mining company, Kirk Makepeace, was asked what he was going to do with the boulder “I’m going to let the world decide,” he said “I named this one Polar Pride and I’m not going to cut it any further. Instead I’ll auction it this way, as a wonder of nature. It’s an icon I expect to see as a museum piece, a monument, a symbol; the world’s best green nephrite boulder ever.”