Jade: A Timeless Treasure of Power, Beauty, and Spiritual Significance
Jade has been one of the most revered materials in human history, prized for its beauty, durability, and spiritual significance. In antiquity, civilizations across the world—from the Chinese dynasties to the Mesoamerican Olmecs and Mayans—valued jade not only as an ornamental stone but as a symbol of power, purity, and immortality. It was used to craft intricate jewelry, ceremonial weapons, and ritual objects, often associated with the divine and the afterlife.
In China, jade was considered more valuable than gold, symbolizing virtue and wisdom, while in Mesoamerica, it was linked to fertility, rain, and the gods. Even in Neolithic Europe, jadeite was fashioned into sacred tools and amulets.
Today, jade remains highly sought after, particularly in East Asia, where it is still worn as a protective charm and a status symbol. Modern artisans continue to carve jade into stunning works of art, while its cultural and spiritual significance endures. Whether as a timeless gemstone or a sacred relic, jade continues to bridge the past with the present, embodying both tradition and modern elegance.
2025 Post-show Update
I would have to say, our first year of Darrington Jade Festival was a great success! We had a very welcoming response from all of the locals who came by the event! Being our first year, we of course had some bumps along the way, but I couldn’t be more happy with how everything worked out. I received a lot of congratulations and praise for how well everything went, but I can’t take all the credit. I really want to give a shout-out to everyone who was involved, seriously, no individual role can be overlooked, without all of you we never could have made this happen!
Thanks to all the people in the town of Darrington, the officials at Town Hall, and all the folks at the Darrington Community Center, we are so grateful for the opportunity to use your incredible building and showcase the charm of your town and the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
Thanks to both the Maplewood Rock & Gem Club, and Marysville Rock & Gem Club for believing in our mission and sponsoring our event, our local Rock clubs truly are our family!
Thanks to George Mustoe for his incredible presentation, even though we had some issues with the P.A. system, he handled it like a true professional, and brought an impressive educational experience to our guests.
Thanks to our demonstrators, I know how exhausting it can be to do lapidary for hours straight, let alone perform for a crowd, you’re absolute rockstars!
Thanks to our musicians, we appreciate you guys coming out and bringing a fun and inviting atmosphere for our guests and vendors!
Thanks to all of our vendors for giving this event a chance, we hope to see you all again in the years to come!
Thanks to all of our volunteers who turned out and gave us their time, we appreciate all your hard work and it’s because of you all that the event was able to run as smoothly as it did!
And thanks to all of the patrons who came out to check us out! We hope you all had a great time! We would love to return as an annual event, and we will continue to do everything we can to bring about an exciting and educational experience for the everyone! If I missed anyone, I apologize, it’s been quite a journey and you are definitely still appreciated! We love you all and look forward to coming together again next year!
Darrington Jade Festival Coordinators
Timotheus Kester and Austin Moya
Hounds of the Rock Table, Darrington Jade Festival Event Coordinators,
(left) Austin Moya and his 9mo. daughter River, (right) Timotheus Kester
Meet our 2025 Vendor Lineup
We have an amazing selection of vendors in attendance for our first show! Each vendor on the 2025 roster exhibits unique qualities and skills, to bring you a comprehensive experience of expertise, style, artistry and inspiration. Check out our vendor profiles to learn more about our sponsors, merchants, miners, and artists.
Interested in becoming a Vendor in 2026?
Click below to contact us about becoming a vendor at next year’s festival. Tell us a little about yourself and your business or products.
Want to be a part of Darrington Jade Festival?
We are currently looking for local, Washington State Jade miners, artists and enthusiasts! Click below to contact us about joining next year’s event committee. Tell us how you would like to get involved.
Become a Sponsor!
Join our team of sponsors and help make this event an annual destination! Click the link to contact us and find out how your contribution can help support our mission.
Darrington Jade Festival Features
Here are some highlights of Darrington Jade Festival
Jade Carvers
See Jade transformed into works of art, by local stone carvers including Jade Carving demonstrations by Julianne Kohn of the NW Stone Sculpters Association!
Jade Jewelry
Local artists share their handcrafted treasures
Darrington Jade Festival: A Celebration of Artistry and Nature’s Finest Stone
The Darrington Jade Festival is bringing together an incredible gathering of jade artists, carvers, and enthusiasts from across the region and beyond. This vibrant event will showcase the stunning artistry of jade—one of the world’s most treasured gemstones—through intricate carvings, exquisite jewelry, and masterful sculptures.
With dozens of talented artisans sharing their passion and craftsmanship, visitors will have the rare opportunity to witness the beauty and skill that transform raw jade into breathtaking works of art. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply appreciate the allure of this timeless stone, the Darrington Jade Festival is a must-visit celebration of creativity, tradition, and the natural elegance of jade.
Jade Culture
Learn about the cultural significance of Jade in the PNW and around the world, with authentic and replica Jade artifacts on display!
Jade rough and Slabs
See Jade in its raw forms and acquire material for lapidary
Local Jade
Discover the unique variations of Jade found here in Washington State
Jade Experts
Meet local professionals in Jade identification, Jade formation, low-impact mining practices, and a special guest presentation by Master of Science George Mustoe!
Sponsors
Thanks to our sponsors for making this event FREE to attend
