Churk Work Shop — Local services in Orange

After looking for a reputable jade seller in the area, I was so pleased to find out about Eastern Star Jade, an OC business that's been in the jade industry for decades. Jessie and Churk run this humble store tucked between a dentist's office and a restaurant in a small shopping center. Jessie is a shrewd and charismatic businesswoman, while Churk is a creative, friendly craftsperson. They make a great duo!

Due to the lack of overhead costs, Jessie and Churk are able to offer reasonable prices on their huge selection of jade. All of their jade, which is imported from Burma, is 100% natural, non-enhanced, and untreated. You can even ask to see the slabs of jadeite and nephrite up close. They're more than happy to share their decades of knowledge about jade, and I've happily sat at their counter asking how to evaluate the quality of jade. It's a pleasure to watch Jessie and Churk at work.

Over the past month or so, I've (impulsively) picked up several pieces from them: a stunning jade donut that Churk set in 14k gold, a bracelet of jade beads, a silver ring with a jade inlay, and two jade rings that were carved out of a slab I picked out myself in the store. Tragically I lost one ring at karaoke and then dropped and broke the other within the span of two weeks.... but Churk and Jessie reassured me that the pieces of the broken ring could at least be re-purposed into a silver bracelet I was also pleased to learn that Jessie is especially skilled at braiding woven bracelets, so I happily commissioned a red string bracelet with a small jade donut in the center.

Check out the photos on this review to see...

I am in love with my Jade bangle that Jessie and Churk helped me and my husband pick out! I have been searching for a raw, untreated Grade A jade bangle for years and found Churk’s online website. I’m so glad I went into the store to see their shop personally and to go through the selection.

Jessie and Churk are experts in their field. Jessie sized me in 2 seconds and slipped on my bangle for me with such ease and educated me on how to do it myself (I do not intend to have to do this often!!) The sizing is perfect, it is not too big or small. She was able to present me so many options based on my size. Churk showed me some bangles that were cut from the same stone, it was beautiful! You can tell he has such a passion for his art, he called his bangles his “sons”, it’s so endearing to have a work of his art. I saw raw slabs of jade, it felt so nice purchasing from the artisan himself and not just a wholesaler. They both educated me further on the different types of jade, how moisture affects the stone, resizing bangles, repolishing, etc.

Aside from enjoying supporting a small, family owned business, the quality of the product is top notch. I am in love with my bangle and so happy to get to wear it every day. If you are looking for any type of jade products, be it custom as well, Eastern Star Jade should be your stop.

I texted their number on the voicemail to set up an appointment just 2...

What a great shop and my buying experience was great, no pressure, lots of patience and an amazing assortment of jade options. I had originally gone there with the intention of having my jade bangle repaired, I know that that's not supposed to be good luck, but loved the bracelet so much that it was worth it. However, after seeing all of their custom made jewelry that is made on site decided not only to buy a new one for my daughter but also that I know what I want for my next birthday. The options are amazing and the fact that they will customize whatever you want is better then in China. I never expected to find a store that I could trust for my jade purchases in the States and thought that only in Asia would I be able to find the 'good stuff'. However, that delusion is gone and I would say that what you can get at this store is better then in China as you have the amazing workmanship as well as the stability of a well established US business. These guys were so kind and patient with teaching me all about the options for my purchases that I can't recommend...