The story of the world’s largest jade stone is a fascinating tale that combines natural wonder, human adventure, and artistic creativity. This remarkable jade comes from a special place called Jade Cove, located along the rugged coast of Big Sur in California. For decades, this area has been known for its rare and beautiful jade stones that have captured the attention of collectors and artists worldwide.
Back in the 1960s and 1970s, a man named Don Wobber, who was once a marine biologist but later became a jade diver and sculptor, began exploring Jade Cove. He discovered how to safely dive into the ocean waters there to find large pieces of jade hidden beneath the sea. Don developed unique techniques to extract these stones without damaging them. His work helped bring Big Sur jade into the spotlight as one of the rarest forms of this precious gem.
One of Don Wobber’s most famous finds was an enormous boulder weighing about 9,000 pounds—known as “the Nephripod.” In 1971, he and his crew carefully brought this massive stone up from undersea using specially designed tools for safe retrieval. The Nephripod quickly gained national attention when it was transported to San Francisco before being donated to the Oakland Museum of California. There it remains on display so people can appreciate its size and beauty up close.
Big Sur jade is unique not only because it is rare but also due to its stunning colors and structure that make it highly prized by artists who carve it into sculptures or jewelry pieces. Over time, local activists worked hard to protect Jade Cove from over-harvesting while promoting ethical ways for people to enjoy these treasures through museums and community art projects.
This giant piece symbolizes more than just natural beauty; it tells a story about human passion for discovery combined with respect for nature’s gifts—a legacy born beneath ocean waves yet shining brightly on land today.