Interactions between outside observers and wearers of a cultural signifier often lead to a “mutual othering”, predicated on the acknowledgement of existing cultural difference between both parties.1 In the case of jade jewelry, members are easily recognized within their cultural in-group by simply possessing and bearing a jade piece. However, whereas wearers of jade inherently understand its cultural significance, outside observers must interpret this significance in accordance to any prior knowledge they have of jade.2 Of course, whatever conclusions observers reach about the jade piece, and therefore by extension the wearer, are subject to personal biases and stigmas. Ultimately, the perception of cultural difference is a byproduct of such
