Hou swallowed at least 40 jade beads on the necklace, according to a statement by Jieyang police on Sunday. Officers are waiting for the man to pass them out of his system.

Chinese jade carving has evolved over the centuries, coming to reflect other art forms, popular customs, religion and folk tales. Yangzhou jade carvings are made from several different types of jade.

A more stylish use of colour can be seen in traditional jewellery like African beads or Chinese jade bead strands, and several designers have captured this vibrant trend and elevated the beaded look.

Exquisite jade discs and rings help illustrate how ancient ... were found at a Neolithic site dubbed "the cradle of the Chinese jade culture". Measuring 400,000 ... tubes and flat beads, ...