Jade Maya - The Original Jade factory and Museum
Jade Maya - The Original Jade factory and Museum, Antigua: Address, Phone Number, Jade Maya - The Original Jade factory and Museum Reviews: 4/5
Jade Maya - The Original Jade factory and Museum
Jade Maya - The Original Jade factory and Museum
4
About
Our company has evolved as a leader in reintroducing Maya jade to the world through the discovery, mining and working of Guatemala's fine jadeite jade. Guatemala shares with Myanmar (formerly Burma) the distinction of being one of the world's major sources of this fine stone. Jades S.A., now Jade Maya, made the decision to re-establish a jade carving industry in Guatemala and opened its doors in the 1970's and remains the largest jade operation in Central and South America. Jade Maya is a totally integrated jade company founded in 1974 by archaeologist Mary Lou Rindinger and her husband Jay Ridinger. We mine fine jadeite jade which is found mainly in Guatemala and Burma, but valued throughout the world. The source discovered and used by Jade Maya, are the same used by the Ancient Maya people of Mesoamerica. The jade is cut and polished in our factory by native Guatemalan workers who are recovering and preserving the carving traditions of their ancestors. The raw jade is transformed into pre-Columbian style museum quality replicas and exquisite handmade unique fine fashion jewelry. All finished products go directly into our showroom, wisely avoiding the middleman and providing a superior product at a superior price. Jade Maya presently has eight shops in Guatemala, our main showroom and factory is located at 4a. Calle Oriente No. 34, Antigua Guatemala, Central America.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
239 reviews
Excellent
105
Very good
85
Average
40
Poor
3
Terrible
6
Beth K
Saipan, Mariana Islands65 contributions
Solo
This was part of a walking tour I took through the city. It was a little bit commercial but the short presentation about Jade was awfully interesting. Did get an opportunity to see the various kinds of Jade and how it is cut and polished. Also learned a little bit about how it's different from the Jade in China and Myanmar, both countries I have visited. I don't know how good the quality was but the pieces were beautiful. I bought a necklace and a bracelet both of which were shortened and the price discounted appropriately while I waited for about 10 minutes. A nice opportunity to get your jewelry the length you want.
Written July 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dr. Tim
Marana, AZ5,139 contributions
Couples
Jade Maya was founded in the 70s and there are quite a few outlets in Guatemala, but the factory and main showroom are in Antigua, Guatemala. We visited the factory, showroom and small museum as part of our Blue Planet Tour an excursion organized by our cruise ship the Holland America MS Rotterdam. I’m not really a jewelry person, but I really enjoyed the tour and watching the craftsmen cut and polish the Jade. If you’re in the area there are many beautiful places to visit in Antigua, lots of great food and I’d include Jade Maya for a fun interesting tour and shopping.
Written February 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
rogerw109
Market Weighton, UK169 contributions
We visited as part of our organised tour of Antigua. We were introduced to Pamela who gave us a wonderful insight into where Jade us found around the world and how it is worked by the Maya people and used in their ceremonies. Very interesting and informative. Good displays of Maya art. Terrific place to visit.
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bunty8
North Ayrshire, UK521 contributions
Must visit this museum/workshop and shop in central Antigua. We were given an introductory talk and given a gift of a 'worry doll' each on entry. It was short but informative. You can watch the jade being cut in the workshop and go on into the shop which has jewellery in all price ranges.
There is also a small museum, the lady there was very helpful, it was very quiet but worth visiting, most people were taking advantage of the free WIFI.
There is also a small museum, the lady there was very helpful, it was very quiet but worth visiting, most people were taking advantage of the free WIFI.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Colin J
Newport, UK413 contributions
Couples
Great place to visit. Very informative, introductory chat and so much to see. There are the cutters who you can watch for ages and the finished jewellery which you can purchase. There is food and drink here as well as toilets. A definite must if you are visiting this amazing town.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SAB5859
Banff, UK4,385 contributions
Couples
Had a nice visit here when visiting Antiqua on a tour. Good brief talk given on the history of Jade in Guatemala. Some fantastic Jade jewellery on sale.
Worth a visit.
Worth a visit.
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sheryl T
Mahwah, NJ849 contributions
I really got an education coming here. First there is a difference between Jade form Guatemala and jade from China. Guatemalan jade has a higher mohs number. There are many colors and the newest and rarest color is lavender jade. If you want to control cost you can get the jewelry in sterling silver instead of gold. I saw a couple of pair of earrings with great differences in price from $30 to $3000 all based on the quality of the stones.
Written December 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JFLeBlanc
Moncton, Canada3,361 contributions
Couples
My wife and I attended this museum a couple of weeks ago. Museum and factory very interesting to see, especially how they make these beautiful pieces. Its free entry and very well worth the visit. There are clean restrooms and wifi on site.
Written December 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
gvkirch
Massapequa Park, NY14 contributions
This jewelry store specializes in Jade. They make quality pieces as you watch the craftsmen create a unique piece for you or as a gift. So many choices of pre made pieces. I purchased jewely for all the ladies in my family as well as gifts.
Written November 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mickey_slept_here
Birmingham, AL216 contributions
Who would ever thing about JADE in this country. The Lady that owns it has been featured on the cover of National Geographic's.
The "Retirement Stone " is well worth the trip along with the short program.
The "Retirement Stone " is well worth the trip along with the short program.
Written November 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marilyn P
Metro Manila, Philippines5 contributions
I bought Jade pendants for Oct. and Nov. birthday celebrants, but the packages are together and there is no date specified as to which pendant is for each month; one is labelled "Jaguar", and the other is "Hummingbird", which is which?
Linda C
Moorpark, CA1,054 contributions
I saw a Mayan calendar that listed Nov. 19- Dec. 9 as Jaguar. Sorry this is so late; we were on a 28 day cruise without Internet when this was posted. Hope it helps.
Rose F
Mason, OH112 contributions
Is US currency accepted in the museum?
amomsreviews
Pennington, NJ10 contributions
Yes. They also accept credit cards.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jade Maya - The Original Jade factory and Museum
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- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Jade Maya - The Original Jade factory and Museum:
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- Macadamia Farm & Facial Massage + Antigua Guatemala Private Tour (From $120.00)
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